HARLEM – Longtime Harlem anti-violence activist Jimmy "Coach" King has died, according to a close family friend.
The Rev. Vernon Williams, who worked closely with King for decades, confirmed King’s passing to DNAinfo New York. He was 65, Williams said.
He said King had been admitted to Lenox Hill Hospital due to a heart attack and was to undergo an operation Thursday. He died before the operation could be completed.
King and Williams founded Perfect Peace Ministries, an anti-violence and community outreach initiative that aimed to combat crime in Harlem.
An outpouring of support have been coming from community members on a social media post made by Williams.
King was known to many in the community as “Coach” because of his dedication to coaching baseball, which Williams said was his “first love.” He started a Harlem baseball team called the Crusaders.
He is survived by several siblings and his wife who were unavailable for comment, Williams said.