James Ray "Jimmy" Kittley

Jimmy Kittley, 72, lost his battle with cancer on September 13, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Rule, Texas, with Rev. Scott Hensley officiating. Services are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes Rule, Texas.

He was born in Haskell, Texas on November 18, 1949 to Billy Dave "Pete" Kittley and Thelma "Swede" Erickson Kittley.

Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Rule, Texas. He grew up on the family farm and attended Rule Independent School District, graduating in 1968. He then attended West Texas State University, where he got his degree in Plastics Technology. He was in one of the first classes that received that degree. Also while at West Texas State, he joined the Iota Xi Chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha. He made lifelong brothers in the fraternity that was still in contact with to this day. It was an important part of his life.

When Jimmy finished college, he returned to Rule to farm. He could fix, build, or fabricate anything he needed. He was also talented in carpentry and with his father built one of his daughter's most prized possessions: her playhouse.

He liked to hunt, fish, ride motorcycles, and was very artistic. Jimmy did not know a stranger and always wanted to help anyone he could. One of his favorite bits of advice that his son took to heart was, "Make friends wherever you go."

Jimmy was a small and quiet man, but he had a very funny sense of humor and a big personality. It is hard to describe how someone so small could have such an impact on so many people, but he managed to do it. He also was a great lover of animals like his mother, and over the years had many pets that he loved including cats, rabbits, dogs, and even a badger named BB.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Swede; a sister-in-law, Pat Kittley; and a nephew, Billy Dave Kittley III.

He is survived by his wife of nine years, Erin; daughter Sara Suzanne Heidenheimer and husband JG, grandsons Zachary Oren and Ryan James of Pensacola, Florida; son James Stephen Kittley of Sweetwater; brother Billy Dave Kittley, Jr. and wife Shandra of Rule; niece Tre' Ann Krupnick and his great nephew Cooper of Fairfax, Virginia.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.