JAMES KITTEL Obituary
He was a Baltimore City Fire Fighter, Forest Ranger with the Maryland Park Service, and retired Maryland State Fire Marshall. He obtained his degree in Criminal Justice at Hagerstown Community College where he served as an adjunct faculty. He was also an instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. Over the years, his community service involved being a member of the Hagerstown Elks Lodge #378, a volunteer with the Ringgold Ruritan, President of the Pasadena Rotary, and lifetime member of the Landsdowne Volunteer Fire Department.
His hobbies included wood working, being outdoors in the yard, rebuilding his historic Chevy pick-up truck, and making DELICIOUS soups (his chicken noodle soup truly has medicinal benefits). His favorite TV show was Seinfeld, favorite book-Never Tease a Weasel, and his heroes were Bugs Bunny and Punxsutawney Phil.
A devoted husband and father, he is survived by his best friend, and love of his life of 60 years, Pat. He is also survived by their 3 children and their spouses Beverly and Bob Kranzler, Rebecca and Robert Baer, James and Kelli Kittel. Affectionately known as "Zinna", he is also survived by 7 granddaughters, Jessica (Greg), Amy (TJ), Erin, Danielle (Corey), Christina, Abby, Grace and one great-grandson, Emmett.
Our heartfelt thanks to Deputy Fire Chief, Jamie Drawbaugh and the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway for the very special part they played in Jim's final days.
The family would also like to thank Doey's house for their amazing compassionate care of Jim during his final hours and their support of his family during this very difficult time. Memorial donations may be sent to Doey's House, 11370 Caring Pathway Lane, Hagerstown, MD 21742.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 22 at Antietam Fire Company, 790 Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown, MD from 12:00-3:00pm. Please dress casually with bright colors and bring a special memory about Jim to share with the family.
Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, and online condolences can be made at, WWW.jldavisfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Julie Hammond
October 23, 2022
Dear Pat and family,
So very sorry I was not able to attend the memorial yesterday for Jim but wanted you all to know you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Jim was such a great husband, dad and friend and the world was a better place for his being here. From meeting you all at Trinity and then connecting again thru Longaberger I am blessed to have known Jim.
Please accept my most sincere condolences on his passing and hang on to those good memories. They will carry you through these tough times.
My love to all,
Julie Hammond
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