James Curtis Kimble

Name: Graveside Service
Start: 12/09/2024 11:00 AM
End: 12/09/2024 11:30 AM
Location: Kansas City Funeral Directors

d. November 15, 2024

Olathe

James Curtiss Kimble, affectionately known as Curtis, passed away on November 15, 2024, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, at the age of 78. Curtis was born on April 26, 1946, in McPherson, Kansas, to Floyd and Bernadine Kimble. He was raised in Buston, Kansas, and graduated from Buston High School in 1964.

After high school, Curtis worked on several farms before being drafted in 1966. Choosing to serve his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Curtis returned to civilian life and graduated from barber school, eventually relocating to Kansas City in 1970.

He became an integral part of the community and a lifetime member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, where he held several leadership positions, including Commander of his post. Every Memorial Day weekend, Curtis honored fallen veterans by placing American flags on their graves at Chapel Hill and Maple Hill cemeteries, a tradition that held deep personal significance.

Curtis worked for over 25 years as a licensed title insurance agent, but his greatest passion was service to others. He dedicated much of his time mentoring young men, especially as a counselor and volunteer at the annual Boys State program at Kansas State University. Alongside his dear friend Bob Jenkins, Curtis helped shape the lives of countless young boys, teaching them valuable life skills and leadership.

A devoted sports fan, Curtis was a lifelong supporter of Kansas State University, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals. He was also an avid golfer and billiards player, competing in numerous charity tournaments and leagues. Curtis cherished spending time fishing with his beloved wife, Betty, and with family and friends.

Curtis is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Bernadine Kimble; two sisters, Kathye Oberle and Karen Sitts and brother Dennis Kimble. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Betty; his daughter, Mollie (Jeff) Knapp; his son, Jason Kimble; three stepdaughters, Kelly Jo (Pat) Deaton, Tracy (Ronnie) Hildenbrand, and Lesley (Adam) McDonald; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren.

Curtis was cremated at Kansas City Funeral Directors, 4880 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City KS. Graveside services will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 11 AM at Maple Hill Cemetery, 2301 South 34th Street, Kansas City, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Curtis’s memory.

Curtis will be dearly missed by all who knew him for his unwavering dedication to family, community, and country. His legacy of service, mentorship, and kindness will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless young lives he touched.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Curtis Kimble, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Monday, December 9, 2024

11:00 - 11:30 am (Central time)

Maple Hill Cemetery

2301 S 34th St, Kansas City, KS 66106

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