Janice M. King's Obituary
Janice M. King, age 79, of Johnstown, passed away Sunday evening, July 5, 2026. She leaves behind a historic legacy of resilience, love, and pioneering public service.
She was born February 2, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Elmer H. and Frances (Thomas) Tevlin. Janice was raised in a tradition of honoring a higher calling; her parents proudly served their country during World War II in the Army Air Corps and the Cadet Nurse Corps. While attending peace officer training, Janice met the absolute love of her life, Joseph H. King Jr.
The two married and had a law enforcement career together as deputies for the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. On September 26, 1975, Janice made history as the first female deputy nationwide to be assigned to a patrol car alone. This groundbreaking milestone earned her national recognition, including features in numerous newspapers and a listing in Who's Who, marking her as a true trailblazer for women in law enforcement.
Beyond their shared uniform, Janice and Joseph shared a passion for the racetrack. They spent years traveling all around together for late model racing, where Joe proudly drove a race car he named "Miss Janice" in her honor.
Following Joe's untimely passing, Janice faced the immense challenge of being widowed young. With fierce determination and unconditional love, she raised her two young sons as a devoted single mother. Showing the remarkable grit that defined her entire life, she later went back to school to earn her education degree, reinventing herself to become a teacher. She went on to touch countless young lives before retiring from the Licking Heights School District.
Outside of the classroom, Janice was an avid gardener who found peace and joy tending to her beautiful plants. Above all else, her grandchildren were her entire life. She poured her heart into them, and all four are bound to carry on their grandma's enduring legacy of love and service to others.
In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Joseph, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Tevlin.
Her memory and example will be forever cherished by her family. She is survived by her sons, Judge Andrew (Christina) King of Granville and Doug (Bethany) King of Johnstown; and her four adored grandchildren, Umar, Aasiyah, Joey, and Charlotte.
Friends and family may call from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, 1850 West Main Street, Newark.
A graveside service for family and close friends will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, at Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, with Rev. Jeff Gill officiating.
What’s your fondest memory of Janice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Janice?
Share a story where Janice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Janice you’ll never forget.
How did Janice make you smile?
