James "Jim" Kingston

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Wayne State College

James Kingston Obituary

James "Jim" Kingston 8/8/1921 - 5/8/2011 Jim believed that his life was richly blessed by his family, many friends, and by his opportunities to serve the community. Although he always claimed to be Irish, he was born in Nebraska and grew up in the small college town of Wayne where his father owned the ice house and Pabst beer distributorship. This infused him with a life-long love of corn, Nebraska football and Pabst Blue Ribbon (in moderation). Upon graduating from Wayne State College, he served in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator on a B-29. His crew successfully flew 35 missions and was able to fly their aircraft home at the end of the war. He married Shirley Hunter in 1946 and they began their life together teaching school in Coos Bay, Oregon. Jim left education and entered the banking business where he developed training programs for bank employees. Jim, Shirley and their young family moved to Tucson in 1958 where Jim worked as an officer with Southern Arizona Bank for many years before opening his own business, Kingston Financial Placement. After Shirley's death in 1998, he married Wilma Johnson and they were blessed in a happy marriage. He deeply believed in community service and was a founding member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He also was very much involved with Tucson Metropolitan Ministries and Catalina Rotary. He is survived by his wife, Wilma; four children, Jim Kingston, Robert Kingston, Karyn Ullery and Kathy Flaccus, as well as by his beloved nine grandchildren and two great- granddaughters. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at St. Paul's UMC, 8051 E. Broadway Blvd. The best way to honor Jim's memory is to go out and serve the community. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to TMM Family Services, 1550 N. Country Club Rd., 85716. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star from May 12 to May 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kingston

11 Entries

Al Chesser

May 15, 2011

In a word, Jim was "real". Everything about Jim Kingston was sincere and genuine. In the 24 years I've known Jim as a fellow Rotarian, he has been unwavering in his love of people and love of life. He commonly bragged about the accomplishments of others, but was never heard to brag about his own talents and qualities ... which were many! It will be a long time before the sound of Jim's booming voice, the power of his handshake or his Irish blessings fade from memory. Some say Jim has flown his last mission, but I'll wager he's not done yet. Sharyn & I will miss you my friend ... as will so many others.

Sarah Hobrock Popovich

May 14, 2011

I will always have found memories of your grandpa. How he could make you laugh and put a smile on your face. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Much love
Sarah

Cori and Kevin Horstman

May 13, 2011

Condolences to Jim's family and many, many friends. He lifted our spirits. A genuinely good and kind man. Rest in peace.

May 13, 2011

Many fond memories come to mind when I think of our SAB family and Jim. Our condolences to the family.

John & Barbara Dierdorf, Tucson Arizona

Dennis Lee

May 13, 2011

Hi kids. Please accept my condolences. I have many fond memories from our Tierra del Sol days. Your Dad was always a graceful, kind and all around good guy. I especially remember the B-29 pictures hanging on the walls. A big memory was the time your Dad took us to the downtown SAB and showed us the "computer" room. Huge machines that took up a whole building on Toole St(I think) You are in our thoughts. Your Dad was certainly a life well lived. Best wishes.

Beverly Martz-Andrews

May 12, 2011

I have known Jim Kingston many years through Southern Arizona Bank and indeed his kindness and remembrance of everyone's names always stood out as he made everyone feel special. He will be forever remembered by every person he interacted with, whether at work, thru his volunteer work or other ways. Blessings to his family.

Carolyn Urias Lemmon

May 12, 2011

Jim and Bob, Peace be with you all.

Joan Cannon

May 12, 2011

I too worked at SAB but nights in proof and bookkeeping. During my many years in banking in Tucson I had many interactions with Mr Kingston and also did some volunteer work for him at TMM. Such a kind happy giving man who never forgot a face or a name. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.

Sandi & Chip Harrington

May 12, 2011

Jim & Bob, We were so sorry to see you lost your Dad. Though Chip & I did not know him personally we know he raised some wonderful kids. We feel blessed to have you in our lives. Please know our thoughts & prayers are with all of you & your families!

Billye Westmoreland

May 12, 2011

Mr.Kingston was one of the kindest and sweetest and dedicated men I had the privilege of working with and for.Rest in Peace my friend,you will be missed,but we will see you again!

Georgia Duncan

May 12, 2011

Mr. Kingston has always held a very special place in my heart. I met him in the 60's as a teen while working at the 49'ers Country Club where my mother was the chef. Later, when I finished college, he hired me at Southern Arizona Bank. The Marketing office was located just down the hall from Personnel on the 3rd floor of the Main Office and our staff was regularly included in the gatherings/parties held in Personnel. Later, when Mr. Kingston left the bank to start his own company, he recommended me to his replacement, Ron Venckus, for Administrative Assistant. Back in those days the position was called "Secretary". Through the years, after SAB, we would occasionally run into each other somewhere and it was just like running into my dad unexpected on the street - always a warm and cheerful hug and inquiries about my family. More recently, however, in the past year and half, he called me one day to chat about an upcoming SAB reunion and went on to tell me a remembrance he had about my mother from 49'ers days. He could not have known that the day he called me was her birthday or that I was missing her sorely at the time. His call and remembrance where the very touch I needed. I have held this remembrance of his call and our visit very close to my heart. I shall miss seeing him at our reunions, and hearing his cheery "right-o" to some question. He was a true gentleman and one the most delightful human beings I've ever known.

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