James Kitchen Obituary

As a high school classmate, I watched Jim struggle to
Get thru the learning process. His success in overcoming obstacles and achieving his position in life amazed me. Finally renewing our friendship at our 50th Class reunion in 2011, and continuing until his passing was very special.
John Campbell

I am deeply saddened to learn of Jim's passing. He was an outstanding leader not only in the academic world but in the sports world and in life in general. I had the pleasure to have played alongside Big Jim, as Coach Eddy would call him at EIU. We always joked about who was the better rebounder. Let the truth be told, Jim was definitely at the top! I had the honor of last seeing Jim for dinner in San Diego back in February, 2015 when we were visiting the area for a water polo tournament. Jim, I am a better person for having known you. Kind thoughts and prayers to Sandy and the rest of your family. God Bless!

Jim was an inspirational leader on the Eastern Illinois University basketball team. As a younger member of the same team, I always looked up to and respected "Kitch". He was a great man in many ways. I was blessed to know him. Bill Thommen

I think about Jim everyday and laugh about all of the great times we had together. His picture has long had a place of honor in my office and is even more precious to me now. He always told me I would be a college president and I am so thankful he was able to see the vision he had for me come true. It goes without saying he was one of a kind. Love him with my whole heart.

Dear Sandy and Family,
There are no words I can express that would share the concern I have for you and your family about the loss of Jim. He was always "bigger than life" and filled the room with his energy and strength. He was also warm and very kind and supportive to me. He believed in me more than I believed in myself and for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you for sharing him with me and the students, faculty, and staff at SDSU.
With love and a hug, Randi

It was an honor and pleasure to have been a colleague of Jim Kitchen. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He will be missed.

Our paths first crossed when both of us were in Basic Training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. A group of guys, including Jim, often played pickup basketball games. Our paths crossed again when I was a student at Eastern Illinois University and Jim was recruited for the EIU basketball team. We further developed a deeper friendship while both of us were on campus. Over the years we have had several contacts. I have no doubt that Jim will be deeply missed by all he came in contact with.

Bob and I were fortunate enough to have seats at Aztec Basketball games next to Sandra and Jim. We always enjoyed seeing both of them and felt honored to call them friends. I loved watching Jim and how he lived and died with each play. I was also very impressed by the number of people that would stop by to say hello...he must have been loved and respected by so many people and influenced their lives so positively. It was an honor to know him and my thoughts and love go out to Sandra and all of their family. Suzi

We are so sad by this news. Dr. Kitchen was a legend at SDSU, in the field of Student Affairs, and was an even better role model and person. Countless students and staff members benefited directly and indirectly from his leadership, dedication, and compassion. Our hearts go out to his entire family and friend group.

I was a High school classmate of Jim at Westran High School Huntsville Mo four years & on the Basketball team with him. He was a class guy.

I´m so sorry for your loss, Dr Kitchen was a lovely man. He always was available to help and add to any Student event with grace and great information a wonderful advocate,

My family is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Kitchen. As a fellow Student Affairs administrator, Jim was always there to share his wisdom with me at any time and without question.
When each of our 3 children enrolled at SDSU,
it was comforting to know that Jim was there, to give them wise counsel if needed. In fact, Jim was very instrumental in helping my son enroll at SDSU.
Now, my son is in his 3rd year of residency at UC Davis Medical Center. Dr. Kitchen definitely made a significant impact on my son's college journey (experience). Jim was a gentle giant with a kind heart and warm smile. He will be sorely missed, but his bright light will shine on.

To Dr. Kitchen's family our deepest sympathy and prayers from the heart.
Herman Ellis & Family

Sandra,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I am so saddened to hear about Dr. K's passing.
He was such a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed.

I am shocked & saddened to hear this news.
Jim was a wonderful human and friend who I enjoyed spending time with.
My family's thoughts and prayers are with Sandra & the family.

Please let us know if & when services are planned.

Dr. K! Where do I even begin...even though I am extremely sad right now thank you for everything. For believing in me, supporting me, and always having that smile on your face. From teaching me those 5Ps, to making sure I got my masters, to building me up in my student affairs and athletics professional journeys, to being there for me when my own father passed, to supporting me on my big move to Oklahoma (can you believe this Cali girl is a full on Midwest transplant now - I know me either). :) I can still remember when Coach Fisher surprised you with your very own Aztec basketball jersey during your SDSU retirement party and that surprise on your face besides that boat of yours Aztec basketball was your happy place. I am heartbroken for Sandy, your kids, and grandkids you loved them the most. I will miss you down here. You are one of the best, one of the greatest humans and I love you! Rest well...

Sandra and family. I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Dr. K. was one in a million and he will be missed by so many! He di so much for SDSU, our student-athletes, our staff, an his generosity and smile will never be forgotten. Sending love, prayers, and hugs your way. The world and community has lost one of the very best. I hope you can find comfort in your treasured memories and know that we mourn with you.

To Sandra, family and cousins, I pray that the Lord, bless keep you and wipe away the tears as you morn the loss of this wonderful man. Jimmy Kitchen.
My mother Naomi Rucker-Palmer was so proud of her nephew Jimmy Kitchen when he received his college Doctorate Degree. I know looked up to him. What wonderful man! He accomplished so much and touched many lives in his lifetime. He will be missed at the Rucker Reunion this year.

I send my sympathy to James Kitchen's family. My parents were Stell and Aubrey Harris. Buzz Harris was my uncle.

Sandra, I am so sorry to learn of Jim´s passing. May memories comfort you as you go through this very sad time.

Prayers for all, a wonderful family!

Dr. Kitchen was a terrific man and amazing administrator. He's been deeply missed here at SDSU since he left and I'm so sad to hear that he has passed. Maybe he and Rey are up there cracking jokes together now. Every kitchen on campus = "There's my office!", messy offices just need a match, he always arrived by "limo" (golf cart), everyone should get to the buffet before Reggie (Reggie said the same about him). He was inspiring, uplifting, compassionate, skilled, and hilariously funny. A true legend.

Dr. Kitchen was such an inspirational, humble, and authentic leader at San Diego State University. His warm smile and hardy laugh created a welcoming environment. He advocated for so many programs and individuals!! If it was not for him and Dr. Blaylock we would not have Guardian Scholars Program! Dr. K saw the leadership qualities in so many individuals and gave them opportunities to demonstrate it at SDSU. I had him for a class in my MA program and it was my 1st advocacy for the UndocuStudent community for one of my papers, I have that still today and his feedback. EWB, our undocu-student org attended a luncheon and we saw Dr. K -he was happy and kind enough to take a picture with my kids. The other picture is with Dr. Marti Ruel during one of the Midnight Study Breaks at SDSU, he was there to make the kids laugh and destress. I will always treasure his memory and the leadership that he modeled. Rest In Power Dr. K

Jimmy was one of my favorite people. I looked forward to seeing him every family reunion. I loved seeing him interact with everyone and tell stories like they all love to do. He will truly be missed. The world lost a great man, an example of what a real man is supposed to be.

Sorry for your family loss Prayers

Our hearts are with you in your time of sorrow...

My deepest and most sincere and heart felt condolences! Dr. Kitchen was so loving and welcoming, funny too! He will be missed. I will cherish the memories and times we shared with him, Sandy and his children. May he rest in eternal peace. Jo

Jim was one of my best friends and I will miss him: His laugh, his devotion to students and his passion for college basketball. He and Sandi Williams were a marvelous couple, fun loving and devoted to one another. Rest In Peace my dear friend.

Dr. Kitchens was such an amazing and brilliant soul. He always gave more than he ever received. I called him one time after a took a hit and he taught me how to bounce back and get up and win again. Ms. Sandra my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time! Dr. Kitchens I´ll continue to lead with integrity and love. Rest well sir! Rest well!

I´m so saddened to hear this. He was always such a shining light with a beautiful, welcoming smile. Basketball games were always better on the nights he´d stop and chat with me. I am so sorry and my condolences go out to his wife and family .