“New people keep a firm dynamic and on the move,” Russell King told Herald American business editor Joseph Porcello in 1985. King’s Syracuse architectural firm, King & King, have been following that philosophy since it was started in 1868 by Archimedes Russell. Regarded as the oldest architectural firm in New York State, the company is responsible for building some of Syracuse’s best-known buildings, including the Onondaga County Courthouse and Syracuse University’s Crouse College. While serving as King & King’s managing partner, Russell King made his own footprint on his family’s business. Russell Adams King, of Manlius, died at his home on Friday, April 25. He was 96 years old. According to his obituary, King was born in Syracuse on April 22, 1929, to Harry and Gladys (Adams) King. At age 17, he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve while studying as a student at Nottingham High School. This would lead to a four-year service as a Naval officer from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War. King pursued a career in architecture inspired by his father, Harry, and grandfather, Melvin King, principals of King & King Architects. He met his wife-to-be, Joan, known as “Jiggy,” while studying at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture in 1950. The couple married in June 1952 following graduation. He rejoined King and King Architects and became a principal in 1959. King was the principal architect on several regional landmarks including Bird Library and the Physics Building at Syracuse University. He was the managing partner/CEO for 35 years and retired in 1992. He transferred the leadership to sons, Jim and Pete and new partners, Dave Johnson and Kirk Narburgh. In 2021, he was awarded the Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award, which recognized alumni who have graduated over 50 years ago and demonstrated loyalty and service to Syracuse University.King gave generously of his time and resources in support of many charitable and civic organizations including Trustee of the YWCA and YMCA, was a past president of the Elmcrest Children’s Center, Cazenovia Ski Club and Onondaga Golf and Country Club. With Joan, King treasured their family more than anything else and enjoyed life to the fullest. “They loved to travel and did so across the United States and many other parts of the world,” his obituary said. “One cherished tradition was to accompany their grandchildren on trips to any world location that each dreamed.” He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Sarah Anne King in 1987 and the love of his life, his best friend and wife of 60 years, Joan (Jiggy) in 2012. His large extended family will deeply miss their beloved “Bampa” and “Old Bampa”. King is survived by children, Jim (Kris), Pete (Kathleen), John (Gretchen) and Nancy (Jason) Bellush; ten grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Calling hours will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 in Miller Commons of DeWitt Community Church, Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. A service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2, at DeWitt Community Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Central New York Community Foundation to honor Russ and Jiggy’s legacy of generosity. Click “Donate Now” at www.cnycf.org or by check to 431 East Fayette St. Syracuse, NY 13202. For guest book, please visit: www.SCHEPPFAMILY.com To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.