Jim King, the former president of the Florida Senate widely recognized as one of the state's most powerful politicians, died from pancreatic cancer in July at age 69.

• Position: People & Politics - Obituary - Brief article

Jim King, the former president of the Florida Senate widely recognized as one of the state's most powerful politicians, died from pancreatic cancer in July at age 69. A Republican, he served in the Legislature for 23 years and was recognized as a statesman who transcended partisanship. He was the key champion of the state's death-with-dignity law, which prevented a reinsertion of a feeding tube to keep Terri Schiavo alive against the wishes of her husband. He voted with the Democrats and said...