James Kidwell

James Joseph Kidwell, affectionately known as "Jimmy", passed away peacefully at his home in Knoxville, MD, on November 10, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on September 5, 1939, in Rockville, MD, he was the son of the late Ernest and Dolly Kidwell. Jimmy grew up as one of ten siblings.

 In 1965, Jimmy married his beloved wife, Esther Beitzel, with whom he shared 59 wonderful years. The couple first lived in Clarksburg, MD, raising their three sons, Randy, Michael and Kevin before moving to Knoxville, MD in 1985. Jimmy dedicated 30 years of his life working as a heavy equipment operator for the National Capital Park and Planning Commission, a role he performed with pride. Jimmy was a country boy through and through, marked by his love for tinkering with cars, tending to his garden, and watching Western movies. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Esther; sons, Randy Kidwell of Hagerstown, Michael Kidwell and his wife Paula of Fairplay, MD, and Kevin Kidwell and his wife Angie of Monrovia; Seven granddaughters, Amber Bakner (Rhyean), Kelsey Keadle (Austin), Brandi Kidwell, Karley Kidwell, Peyton Henry (Austin), Rachel Kidwell, Reilly Fournier (Matt) and five great-grandchildren, Noah, Mariana, Witten, Madison and Landry. Jimmy also leaves behind his sister, Thelma Hungerford of Westover; sister, Flora Testerman of Frederick; and brother, Vernon Kidwell and his wife Brenda of Hedgesville, WV.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ernest and Dolly Kidwell; his sisters, Margaret Clem and Helen Owens; his brothers, Elmer, Leonard, Virgil, and Ernest Kidwell; and his mother-in-law, Leora Beitzel.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 1:30-2:30pm at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713. A Service to honor Jimmy's life will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 2:30pm. Burial will follow services at the Brownsville Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 in Jimmy's memory.