James Edward Kittinger

James Edward Kittinger, age 80, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 16, 2020. He was born on March 24, 1939, the second son of Haley and Myrtle Kittinger, little brother to Eugene and big brother to Doris. He was raised on the northside of Houston. He always said, “We were poor, but we didn’t know it.” He had many funny stories about growing up around the Stevens family. According to his testimony, he became a Christian and was baptized at age 14, and remained a faithful follower all his days. Over the years he taught Sunday School to various age groups, but his favorites were the little ones.

He started working at 15 as a grocery sacker. His next job was running copy from building to building at the Houston Chronicle. At the first opportunity, he moved up to the printing department where learned the printing trade. He worked for various printing companies for a number of years. At the age of 40, he changed careers completely, becoming the Foreman for the Preventive Maintenance Department of a crane company. He worked there for over 20 years, until his first bout with cancer led to his retirement at age 62. Retirement did not mean no more working for him. For a few years, he did landscape work, but the job he loved best was at Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy. For a while, he called himself the “lunch lady” because he helped serve lunches to the students. Later on, he became Legacy’s Grandpa. He delighted in teasing the children, but especially sneaking them Pixi-Stix and candy! He loved the staff at the school as well. He worked at Legacy until right before Christmas this past year. He only quit because he just didn’t have the strength to continue.

He wasn’t all work. He loved fishing, car trips, and gardening. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He always enjoyed taking the kids to ball practice, even though they sometimes complained that “PawPaw gets us there too early!” Each one of his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were loved well by him. During the last few weeks of his life, he repeated this phrase so often: “I have had the best life any man could ask for.”

James is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Barbara Phillips Kittinger; daughters, Sharon Kittinger Murphy and life companion, Ron Williams, Sandra Sacchieri and husband Keith, almost daughter, Nancy Tant Craven; grandchildren, Jared Sacchieri and wife Ashley, Sarah Sacchieri Rickett, Jacob Sacchieri and wife Taylor, Jordan Sacchieri and fiancé Madeline, Sierra Sacchieri, Calin Murphy and Abby, Nathan Williams and wife Amy Jean, Nick Williams and wife Amie, almost grandson, John Bailey; great grandchildren, Asher Rickett, Hadley Rickett, Kellum Sacchieri, Teagan Sacchieri, Alli Williams, (Another Sacchieri great grandbaby expected in July); brother, Eugene Kittinger and wife Dorothy; sister, Doris Glanz and husband Hershel; as well as many nieces, nephews and a mighty host of friends. He loved many, and that love was returned many times over.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from to 5 PM to 8 PM on Friday, February 21, 2020 at Crossview Church, 5148 FM-1488, Magnolia, Texas 77354. The graveside and burial will be at 10 AM on Saturday, February 22, 2020 in Klein Memorial Park, 14711 FM-1488, Magnolia, Texas 77354. The Celebration of Life will be following at 11:30 AM, back at Crossview Church. There will also be a reception after the service.