James W. Kitchen, age 88, of Traverse City, MI, passed away June 23, 2024. Jim was born in Grand Rapids, MI in 1936 to the late Wilton and Orletta Kitchen. He attended Grand Rapids Central High School, Grand Rapids JC, UofM, and graduated from MSU in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Securities Administration. Jim began his career at GM and retired after 25 years at Ford Motor Company where he had the opportunity to travel around the globe in his role as a Quality Control Engineer.

Jim was a marvelous Dad. Teaching his daughters to ride bikes, drive boats, water ski, snow ski mow the lawn and how to save money. He had numerous hobbies: avid fishermen, boater, wood working and photography. His wood working skills were both utilitarian and artistic. His home is filled with objects he made over the years from amazing toys for his daughters to picture frames, furniture, bowls, toy cars, etc. He was also skilled at gluing broken pottery pieces back together.

Jim is survived by his wife Pat, two daughters: Cynthia (John) Suders and Nadine (John) Tache, youngest brother William, and several nieces and nephew's. He was preceded in death by brothers Richard and Robert.

A celebration of life will be held later in the summer for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's honor to Hospice of Michigan or Cherryland Humane Society.