James Kitchen
James (Jim) Vernon Kitchen, Sr., 78, of Fishersville, passed away, Sunday, January 25, 2026, at UVA Medical Center Charlottesville, VA. He was born December 19, 1947 in Enterprise, KY, son of the late Mae and Chester Kitchen.
Jim was an Elder and member West Waynesboro Church of Christ where he was very active in and involved with his church family. He was also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (Waynesboro), a Charter member of Forest, VA, Rotary International and a Volunteer at LOVE, INC (Love in the Name of Christ). As a respected community leader, he was actively involved in his Homeowner’s Association.
As an original DIY, there was nothing Jim couldn’t fix. He loved doing anything he could to help others. He took great joy in his hobbies that included puzzles, ocean fishing, beach trips and travelling. Jim never met a stranger, and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his grandson, Jonah Kitchen of VA; his sister and brother-in-law, Wilma and Frankie Thompson of KY; his brother and sister-in-law, Herman and Kim Kitchen of WA and his brothers-in-law, Danny Haines of FL, Charles Caudill of GA, and Scott Lewis and Tony Brown, both of OH.
Jim was a dedicated and loving spouse and a loving father. He is survived by Susie, his beloved spouse of 58 years; his sons,James, Jr (Tania) and Jeff, all of VA; his grandchildren, Jane Kitchen and Piper Kitchen, both of VA; his sisters, Nada (Donnie) Rhodes of OH, Rita Haines of KY and Charlotte Caudill of GA; his sisters-in-law, Carol (Harold) Steward of CO, Jeannie (Dave) Barker of OH and Bonnie Lewis of OH; his brothers-in-law, Calvin Brown and Danny (Kelly) Brown, of OH. Jim was a pivotal part of a large family and will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews who survive. He will be especially missed by special lifelong friends Tom and Reba Brothers of VA.
The family would like to offer special heartfelt thanks to the Staff at UVA Medical Center and the Staff at UVA Encompass Rehab Hospital for the care they showed to Jim.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to LOVE, INC, PO Box 1003, Fishersville, VA 22939, or text “GIVE” to 540-299-2828, or Online, https://www.loveincsaw.org
or West Waynesboro Church of Christ, 2212 Cortland St., Waynesboro, VA 22980 or Online, https://www.westwaynesboro.com/give.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in the spring.
The family is being served by the Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville.
