The legacy of the late Tim King—a respected musician, teacher, and audio engineer whose fingerprints touched countless local performances and venues—will live on through a newly established scholarship fund bearing his name.
The Tim King Music Scholarship Fund will officially launch with a memorial concert on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at The Citadel Oak Room, 91 Hinkley Street in Benton Harbor. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature performances by several ensembles and musicians who performed alongside Tim throughout his life, including the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, members of Mister Edd, Four Spacious Guys, and other “musical co-conspirators.”
Hosted by The Citadel and supported by the Berrien Community Foundation, the concert is designed as a celebration rather than a solemn affair—a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life behind instruments, mixers, and microphones, lifting others’ performances to the next level.
Tim King passed away in August 2024 following a 2.5-year battle with glioblastoma. Known for his skill on the tenor sax and upright bass, he was also a mainstay of live sound engineering at community events, festivals, and performance venues such as the Box Factory for the Arts and the Acorn Theater. A beloved instructor at the Citadel and longtime contributor to Southwest Michigan’s rich musical culture, Tim left an indelible mark on musicians and audiences alike.
“Tim refused a funeral—he didn’t want to make a fuss,” said his wife Joni King, who has helped organize the event. “But somehow, this private gathering has taken on a life of its own. Our goal is to honor Tim by helping the next generation of musicians get the support they need to pursue their own dreams.”
Proceeds and donations from the event will go toward the Tim King Music Scholarship Fund, an endowment managed by the Berrien Community Foundation. The fund will assist aspiring student musicians in Southwest Michigan.
A QR code for online donations is available on the event flyer (posted throughout St. Joseph and Benton Harbor), or donations can be made directly at berriencommunity.org/kingscholarship.
This casual gathering will be filled with music, memories, and the enduring spirit of someone whose sound will echo in the community for years to come.
