King, Thomas M., 1940-

Thomas M. King was born in Colusa County, California in 1940. King moved to San Jose in 1971, where he became involved in historic preservation. In 1974, he received his Master's Degree in Historic Urban Geography from San Jose State University. King's interest in historic preservation led him to coordinate and conduct the San Jose Survey of Historic & Archaeological Sites (SJSHAS) between 1973 and 1974. King's efforts resulted in the first comprehensive inventory of historic places completed in San Jose. He later completed a similar survey of the city of Campbell while working for the Campbell City Historical Museum.

King founded the Victorian Preservation Association of Santa Clara in 1974; organized and operated annual historic downtown bus tours at the San Jose Tapestry in Talent Festivals from 1976-1990; served as President of the Luther Burbank Neighborhood Community Council; served on the board of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose for ten years; worked with the San Jose Historic Landmark Commission; and acted as an advisor to Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon. King also taught high school in the local area, as well as worked as a professional tour guide.