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| Young eyes, twinkling with mischief |
I was given the privilege of writing an obituary for my father-in-law
this last week. It seems like I have a theme
going here, but it is all good. This is
a reminiscent rendering of the official account. Dad Kitchell was a good man and will be
missed by people around the world. He
travelled to 48 different countries, spreading the good news of great joy. That is how I choose to remember him as well…full
of lively merriment!
Jim Kitchell lived.
He was more than statistics on a page; a man of the cloth, an
adventurer; my daddy-in-law’s commanding presence filled a room.
Jimmy, as his mother called him, was born on October 30, 1929 in Denton,
Montana to Dewey and Ruth Kitchell. They
named their baby boy James Bruce. He was
surrounded by four sisters: Gayle,
Virginia, Joanne and Jeanne. He delighted
in pestering them with his antics. His
quick wit and endearing smile charmed all.
Never one to sit on the sideline, Dad plunged into every task set before
him – farming (His thumb was green. He
always gave me a hard time about how his tomatoes were ready to pick when mine
were still in the thought process), a stint in the Navy and travelling the world
to share the fabulous news of Jesus.
Devotion, passion and loved marked his life. Dad could rattle off every car he ever
owned. He never met a stranger and could
whip up a peach pie with a flaky crust, assuring me that I could do the same. My crusts were never like his, and I do need
to remember to add a pinch of nutmeg as well as the lemon zest to my strawberry
shortcakes.
He left us on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, while riding his scooter in
Boulder City, Nevada, the wind blowing his wispy hair. This 84 year young wasn’t slowed down by
anything. No loss or heartache, like
losing his oldest daughter, could replace the deep abiding faith and joy tucked
into his being.
Those who are left, family and friends, are inspired to go everywhere,
live wisely, laugh heartily and love in full abandon, knowing that faith puts
Jesus in control.
Romans was Dad’s favorite book in the Bible. Chapter 12 verse 13 says, “Share with the
Lord’s people in need. Practice
hospitality.” He did that! So, “let the
peace of Christ be in control of your heart.”
(Colossians 3:15)
Echoing in my ears… “Miss, can you fix me a cup of tea?”
Missy
If you have been mildly amused, challenged or inspired by what you have
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My child, you have covered Jim's life in a nutshell..I was so blessed to hear him teach on Romans 5 two weeks prior to him entering Heaven's Gates. He will be missed, but oh the seeds he as sown, and lives he has touched. I spent a week of remembering all the good times we all had has family as well as some of the hard times..but Kitch was steadfast in his love for the Lord and what God could and would do in all of our lives. Love Mom
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think there's a bunch of remembering going on. Many smiles through the drippy eyes.
DeleteI think that is the most beautifully written eulogy I have ever read, Missy. I would be proud had it been mine. I am so sorry for your loss. Those empty spaces never quite get filled by anyone else. You just keep filling them with the memories. So beautiful! Hugs, Marlene
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marlene. My daddy-in-law was a very special man to me and so many others. I have memories that could fill pages and pages.
DeleteThat was the most beautiful eulogy I have ever read, Missy. I am so sorry for your family's loss. The hole someone leaves behind in your heart can only be filled with memory of them. Hugs, Marlene
ReplyDelete