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Brazoria County is mourning the loss of former sheriff and judge Emory Joseph “E.J.” King, who died on Aug. 1 at the age of 79. According to an Aug. 2 Facebook post on the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) page, Sheriff Leonard “Bo” Stallman remembered his predecessor for “his unwavering commitment to public service and his immeasurable contributions.”
"Throughout his distinguished career, he exemplified the true essence of a law enforcement officer, showing unparalleled dedication, courage and integrity in the pursuit of justice," Stallman said in the post. "Under his leadership, the sheriff's office underwent significant reforms and embraced progressive initiatives, ensuring the safety and security of the citizens it served."
Per King’s obituary on the Palms Funeral Home’s website, he was born on Christmas Day 1943 and spent his childhood in Chambers County. After his graduation from Anahuac High School in 1962, King decided to pursue a career in law enforcement for a few years when he served in the Army. He enrolled in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Academy shortly after his honorable discharge in 1967.
King’s law enforcement career initially took shape in Harris County before he made his permanent home in Brazoria County, where he led the sheriff’s department from the early 1980s to 2004, according to the obituary. His retirement from public service was short-lived when two years later, he set his sights on running for county judge and emerged victorious. Houston CBS affiliate KHOU Channel 11 reports that King served as Brazoria County’s chief executive officer from 2007 to 2014.
King’s obituary said that he died from cancer and is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren. As of press time, a visitation for him was slated to be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Angleton on Aug. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m., with a memorial service at the church scheduled for Aug. 8 at 11 a.m.