James E. Kitchen

January 18, 1936 - August 19, 2018

James E. Kitchen, 82 of Cheboygan, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on August 19, 2018. A lifelong resident of Cheboygan, he was born on January 18, 1936 to James F. and Evelyn (Olson) Kitchen. He attended Hebron and Munro’s one room schools, and then Cheboygan High School. On April 11, 1964 he married Patricia Howard in Petoskey. He was a bricklayer and belonged to the Bricklayers Masons, and Plasters International Union of America #40. As a young man he served in the National Guard. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved being outdoors, and at an early age began fishing, hunting, and trapping. He enjoyed playing cards especially cribbage, pinochle, and solitaire. He was an avid reader and did many crossword puzzles. He also liked to watch the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. In the 1980’s he gave up his masonry tools and began a small Christmas tree business, “Kitchen’s Transplants”. Jim will be missed by his wife of 54 years Patricia, 2 children Pam (Steve) Pawlowski and Kevin; 4 grandchildren Steven, Stacey, Elizabeth, and Renee; 6 great grandchildren Tyler, Lily, Mikayla, Maddison, Lucas, and Logan; and 2 special fluffy pets Tippy, and Tufffy. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a very special uncle, Ben Olson. Per his wishes no services are planned. His family will remember him privately. Burial will be in Hebron Township Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Hentkowksi Funeral Home in Rogers City, and online condolences may be sent to www.hentkowskifuneral.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to McLaren Hospice of Cheboygan or St. Mary’s 1st Charles Barrier Free Fund. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of McLaren Hospice for their care to Jim during his illness.