Jean King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean King
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King in 1978
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| 7th Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii | |
| In office December 2, 1978 – December 2, 1982 |
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| Governor | George Ariyoshi |
| Preceded by | Nelson Doi |
| Succeeded by | John D. Waiheʻe III |
| Member of the Hawaii Senate | |
| In office 1974–1978 |
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| Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives | |
| In office 1972–1974 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jean Sadako McKillop
December 6, 1925 Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, U.S. |
| Died | November 24, 2013 (aged 87) Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | James Aldrich King |
| Children | 2 |
Jean Sadako King (born December 6, 1925 – died November 24, 2013) was a pioneering leader in Hawaii. She served as the seventh Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. She was the first woman ever elected to this important position in Hawaii. Jean King held this office from 1978 to 1982, working with Governor George Ariyoshi.
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Jean King's Family Background
Jean Sadako King was the daughter of William Donald McKillop and Chiyo Murakami McKillop. Her parents married in the early 1920s. Her father, William, was a postmaster with Scottish heritage. Her mother, Chiyo, was Japanese. Chiyo's family were coffee farmers in Kona.
It was not common for people from different backgrounds to marry during that time. Jean's parents settled in Honolulu, near Piikoi and Beretania. This is where Jean King was born and grew up. Later, Jean married James A. King. They had a son and a daughter together.
Jean King's Educational Journey
Jean King attended several primary schools, including Likelike School and Aliiolani School. She also went to the English Standard School. For high school, she graduated as the top student (valedictorian) from the Sacred Hearts Academy.
While at Sacred Hearts Academy, Jean was very active. She took part in Japanese dancing, tap dancing, and hula. She also learned typing and shorthand.
College and Advanced Studies
Jean King attended the University of Hawaii. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in English in 1948. While studying, she worked as an assistant in a psychology lab. She also tutored English for a sports team. Jean was a class officer and co-editor for Ka Leo, the university's newspaper.
Beyond her studies, she won two beauty pageants. She was crowned Ka Palalpala Cosmopolitan Beauty Queen and Relay Rainbow Queen. After her B.A., Jean went to New York University for a Master of Arts (M.A.) in history.
Years later, she returned to the University of Hawaii for another master's degree. In 1968, she earned a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in theatre and drama. For this degree, she created a play production based on a Japanese anti-war play.
Jean King's Political Career
Jean King had a long and impactful career in politics. She wanted to help make Hawaii a better place for everyone.
Serving in the Hawaii State Legislature
Before becoming Lieutenant Governor, Jean King served in the Hawaii House of Representatives from 1972 to 1974. Then, she served in the Hawaii Senate from 1974 to 1978.
She was also a candidate in the Hawaii Constitutional Convention of 1950. Her parents supported the Republican Party. However, Jean wanted more people to join the Democratic Party. She believed the Democratic Party's ideas would better serve Hawaii's diverse population. Jean strongly encouraged people to get involved in politics. She even helped pass laws that allowed the public to attend government meetings.
Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii (1978–1982)
In 1978, Jean King decided to run for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. The previous Lieutenant Governor, Nelson Doi, left the office to run for Mayor of Honolulu. Jean King won the election. She served alongside Governor George Ariyoshi during his second term. Her term was from 1978 to 1982.
Running for Governor in 1982
After one term as Lieutenant Governor, Jean King decided to run for Governor in 1982. She challenged Governor Ariyoshi in the Democratic primary election. She received 105,969 votes, while Ariyoshi received 127,906 votes. This meant she got 44.6 percent of the votes, and Ariyoshi got 53.3 percent. After this election, Jean King decided to retire from running for elected office.
Jean King's Legacy and Impact
Jean King passed away on November 24, 2013, at the age of 87. She died from pancreatic cancer.
Jean King's hard work and achievements inspired many women to seek political positions in Hawaii. Senator Mazie Hirono admired King. She said, "As the first person elected to the office of lieutenant governor, Jean helped paved the way for women, such as myself." Colleen Hanabusa also recognized Jean King as an important female role model.
In March 2016, Hawaiʻi Magazine included Jean King in a list of the most influential women in Hawaiian history. Her contributions continue to be remembered.
See also
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
- List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States
