James Edward “Jim” Kitchen

James Edward “Jim” Kitchen, age 92, of Katy, TX, formerly of Wilmington, DE, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Jim was born March 17, 1931, in Wilmington, Delaware to the late James Tees and Mildred (Chadwick) Kitchen. After graduating from P.S. DuPont High School in 1948, Jim proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.

A lifelong banker, Jim began his career with the Equitable Trust Company, later part of Bank of Delaware, and served in various positions before being promoted to Assistant Vice President in 1971. He was then promoted to Treasurer and Vice President with responsibility for the bank’s branches in New Castle County. Jim retired from Bank of Delaware in 1986. In 1988, he joined Artisan’s Savings Bank and served as Vice President of Operations until his retirement in 1996.

Jim was a graduate of the School for Bank Administration, University of Wisconsin. He was a charter member of the Goldey Beacon Distinguished Alumni Gallery and was a past Distinguished President of the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington. Jim was actively involved in the Bank Administration Institute, United Way, Administrative Management Society and Meals on Wheels. He was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, having served many years as Vice Chairman and Treasurer.

An avid golfer, Jim was a member of the Newark Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf and serving as committee chairman for the McDonald’s LPGA golf tournament. He was also an enthusiastic coin collector.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 37 years, Joan (Carey) Kitchen. He was also predeceased by his sister, Joanne Hines, as well as his second wife, Marie Hoopes-Kitchen.

Jim is survived by two daughters, Theresa Kitchen Backus (Thomas) of Atlanta, GA and Karen Kitchen Studer of Katy, TX. He was a loving Pop Pop to his grandchildren; Christine Backus (Thomas Kavanagh), Kelly Backus Bradley (Colby), Tyler James Backus (Katherine Donald), and Sarah Studer (Jason Hentz), and found a particular joy in his great-grandchildren; Elizabeth Smith Bradley and James McHenry Bradley. He is also survived by his loving companion, Anne O’Connor, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church, 4701 Weldin Road, Wilmington, DE, where a Memorial Mass will be offered at 12 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Salvation Army of Delaware, P.O. Box 308, Wilmington, DE 19899 or online by clicking here.