James A Kitler

James A. Kitler (Jim) Born May 27, 1933 Passed Dec. 1, 2019 to a glorious homecoming with loving family members and our Lord. 
Born in Jacksonville Fl. to Curtis and Hattie Kitler he was one of 10 children.
James is preceded in death by his wife of 40+ yrs. Mary, a son Randall Kitler, granddaughter Nicole Kitler and all nine of his brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his children Greg Kitler (Tammie) Rodney Kitler (Laura), Holly Kitler (Randall) and Karen Rickert (Rusty), Jennifer Gilley and James Gilley. 
16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren 2 great, great grandchildren,......maybe more but we lost count.
A honorable mention two of his favorite people in the world Pat Kitler and Barbara-Ann Jennings. 
As a young man James served in the US Army where he did two tours of duty in the Korean War as a gunner on a fast track tank.
After his service to his country where he received an honorable discharge he worked in the bar & resturant business in Port St. Joe Fl. where he met the mother of his four children Martha. Once he returned to Jacksonville he worked many years in the home improvement industry where he taught many, including his three sons the aluminum siding installation business.
When James met his second wife Mary she had two children that he help raise and loved as his own. They spent many years enjoying their children and grandchildren.
He enjoyed thrift store junking for undiscovered treasures or any item he may remember you said you were looking for. But his personal interest was watches, buying, repairing and gifting. 
He enjoyed traveling for most any reason but if it included a boat and fishing rod, that was a bonus. Fishing, shrimping and crabbing were among his favorite things to do with anyone that wanted to go. Many will recall he made the “best deviled crabs you ever put in your mouth!”
James loved being on the water, family get togethers, camping, cooking and feeding people. And lord knows he loved to go loafing.....(running the roads)
James came from a very large close nit family and often spoke fondly about his memories of his family, be it his parents, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews....he dearly loved them all.
He loved his grandchildren and gave them all nicknames whether they liked it or not. 
He was a very strong,opinionated ,kind,caring funny person. He loved to sing and dance. He would help just about anyone,never met a stranger. He had a very generous and giving heart. He was a real treasure to us with all of his knowledge. We take comfort in knowing he is in heaven.



 

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