Ken was born in Lowndes, Miss., on Aug. 11, 1960, the son of John and Kathryn Klein Kimbell. In 1963, the family moved to Hurst, where he graduated from L.D. Bell High School in 1978. Ken was a gifted artist, skilled in creating unique visual experiences. He created paintings, drawings, mosaics and sculptures, often using found art in his pieces. His intense passion for art led to the formation of the Ken-n-Jim show with his childhood friend, Jim Toler. The duo performed original songs and stories promoting life lessons of opportunity, responsibility and the importance of literacy and learning to legions of young fans at schools, libraries and festivals. As a performer, Ken amused children throughout Texas and beyond with his outgoing, energetic personality and wild sense of humor.

Ken loved outsider art, Mexican food, documentary films, good barbecue, garage sales, swimming at the rec center, playing with his boxer, Bug, and being PaPa to Kai Txanton, and was happiest spending time with his wife, Susan, his best friend and confidante.

Ken was quirky and compassionate, silly and sensitive. He loved to laugh, he loved a good story and he was always there for anybody who needed him. He had the biggest heart imaginable and was absolutely the funniest guy around. He wrote:

"There once was a man named Kimbell,

Whose mind was quick and nimble,

When he walked in a room,

The women would swoon,

And the men, they all would tremble."

Ken was preceded in death by his father, John Kimbell.

Survivors: Beloved wife, Susan Dever Kimbell of Arlington; stepdaughter, Pacia LeJeune of Dallas; grandson, Kai Txanton LeJeune of Mauckport, Ind.; mother, Kathryn Kimbell of Hurst; brother, John Kimbell, his wife, Sherry, and children, Georgia, Lucy and Caroline of Pinehurst, N.C.; and a host of other relatives, friends and fans.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram on Feb. 28, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Kimbell

18 Entries

Kai

September 2, 2023

Missing you. You´ve been on my mind quite a bit lately. A lot has changed these last 15 years. You´d be a great grandpa now. My son is 7 and has started asking about you. I´m so glad he does. I think about how y´all would interact with each other, and I know you´d show him the same humor, love and compassion you gave me, you guys would be inseparable. I love you indefinitely. Thank you for the impact you still have on me. Till we meet again.

SAMANTHA KIMBELL

July 16, 2007

KENNETH WAS MY HALF BROTHER AND HE USED TO SIT ON ME AND TICKLE ME ALL THE TIME. HE WAS ALWAYS DRAWING THINGS.

Johnnie and Jerry Brooks

March 23, 2007

I just received the sad news! "Ken-N-Jim" have been part of my show at The Parker County Peach Festival for years,where they were always the "Main Event"! Ken, you will be so missed! My thoughts and prayers are with Susan and also with "Jim".
Such a wonderful, talented person!

micki Simpson & all at Calliope's Closet

March 20, 2007

Ken was a talent to be reckoned with. Having performed at shows with Ken n Jim, I know that he will continue to live in our hearts. He made you believe Jim was turning his head around & I think of him and their program everytime I eat "Popcorn". Every child whose eyes he has lit up will miss him sorely. Our hearts and prayers go out to Susan, family, Jim and other friends.

Belinda Sakowski

March 14, 2007

Ken will be sorely missed in Sherman. His joy and energy lit up a room. As part of our summer reading programs, Ken-N-Jim kept our young patrons entertained and singing. Our prayers go out to his family.

Lori Ragsdale

March 13, 2007

I have worked with Ken-n-Jim numerous times since I started my library career 8 years ago. I've loved their humor, creativity, and zest for life and learning. What a special bond these 2 guys shared. Jim, I know you and Ken's family and other friends miss Ken very much. I'll be thinking of you all, and missing Ken, too.
Lori Ragsdale

Susan Allison

March 12, 2007

Ken brought joy and laughter to hundreds of children & their families at our library throughout the years - what a gift and blessing his life was. He will be missed.

Cami Loucks

March 12, 2007

Ken won the hearts of the children of Red Oak last summer during summer reading club at the library. His memory brings a smile to all of us who knew him.

Terie Black

March 5, 2007

He was a great asset to the school and library entertainment world and will greatly be missed.

Evelyn James

March 5, 2007

We will all sorely miss the fount of quirky humor that was Ken.

Julie Allen

March 3, 2007

Ken brought lots of joy into the lives of countless East Texas children performing with Jim. He will never be forgotten.

trott lejeune

March 2, 2007

ken has been a true friend for nearly 15 years. he provided laughter, love, and debate. he inspired me and still does. i look frwd to when next we meet ken. i will watch for you on the mountain brother. blessings, trott

Kim (Ingram) Ritter

March 1, 2007

The old church days and high school days were a long time ago, but Ken was my best friend at one time and I've never forgotten him and never will.

CHRISTOPHER SLATER

February 28, 2007

KEN WAS A TRUE FRIEND TO EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM.HE AND I TALKED EVERYDAY WE SWAM TOGETHER AND I WILL TRULY MISS HIM AND THE TERRIFIC STORIES HE WOULD TELL.OF ALL HIS POSSESSIONS HE TRULY LOVED HIS SOULMATE SUE.

Kristie Kibby

February 28, 2007

My 7 year old son and I attended the Ken-N-Jim program at the Frisco Library this past summer. We both enjoyed the program so much and my son spoke of it for quite some time. The program was so clever and gave such joy.

Rick Zastrow

February 28, 2007

Dear Sue,
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Ken, I do know that he was a good man. Through your energy I could feel his kindness and humor.
The sunset was different out here this past Sunday evening. I could have sworn that I saw someone riding on its rays... and in a blink of an eye...I thought I heard laughter.

Beth Dever Fier

February 28, 2007

Aunt Sue,
My heart goes out to you right now and for the days ahead....I wish the miles were fewer between us, I wish I could be there. Take this as a big cyber hug and until I see you next time, take care of yourself. Love you....Beth

Connie Dominick

February 28, 2007

Kenny dated my sister Lynn in high school and when he would come over to our house he would tease me and say in a Dracula voice, "I'm going to suck your blood!" It terrified the heck out of me as a kid! Kenny remained not only my sister's friend, but a dear family friend. There will never be anyone else on the face of this earth like Kenny. He was the first, last and only edition of the wonderful, funny, amazing and dazzling piece of human artwork that he was. We will miss you so very, very much Kenny.

"But our golden ones sail on, sail on, to another land beneath another sky..." --James Taylor

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