Profiles in Service - June 25, 2018

John W. King

Board Member
Board of Chosen Freeholders
Hunterdon County, N.J.

Number of years involved in NACo: 2

Years in public service: 22

Occupation: Vice president, QSSI LLC 

Education: Master’s in management science, Stevens Institute of Technology; B.S. in business administration, University of Delaware

The hardest thing I’ve ever done is: Not so simple to answer. Having a conversation with my dad two days before he passed away from cancer with us both knowing it would be our last. I return to that moment frequently with regret for all the things I could have said to assure him that his life meant something special. Watching the same thing when Helen suffered through the loss of both her parents within a relatively short time. Then, there is the five years spent with a son in the Marines serving multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. The moments that test you are watching him embark and embracing him upon his return. Both have meaning that cannot be described.

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner are: George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower and Barack Obama all at the same time with Anthony Bourdain as the host and a case of Baron Lafite Rothschild Reserve Speciale. That would be a spirited conversation.

A dream I have is to: Earn a positive place on the page of a history book.

You’d be surprised to learn that I: Never aspired to achieve elected office.    

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: Quit a decent paying job to strike out on my own. I’ve done that adventure a couple times. It doesn’t get easier.     

The last book I read  was: Washington, A Life by Ron Chernow.

My favorite way to relax is to: Be around family and friends … everything gains perspective.   

I’m most proud of: What Helen has accomplished in raising our boys. She is remarkable.            

Every morning I read: The Star Ledger. There’s something about working my way through so much bad news and listless reporting and being rewarded by the comics page. Comics remind you of how fun life is. Then I find some other news channel online to get corroboration of the “facts.”

My favorite meal is: A meat loaf Helen has mastered that has endeared itself to the boys and me. Otherwise, almost anything she makes. She is a phenomenal cook.

My pet peeve is: Ingenuousness.

My favorite movie is: The Green Mile. 

My favorite U.S. president is: Ronald Reagan.   

My county is a NACo member because: We need to be exposed to the ideas, aspirations and perspectives of others throughout this nation that serve in the same capacity as we do. NACo represents a forum for communication that is unique. I hope we can harness that power to effectively shape national policy.