James Kittoe

James (Jim) Kittoe went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 20, 2018. He was born on December 24, 1939, to Norman and Martha Kittoe in Chicago, Illinois; however, he considered Seymour, Texas, his hometown where he was raised by his parents. Jim graduated from Robstown High School in 1958 and soon after went to work in the oilfield. He had a long, successful career in the oilfield that began with American Smelting, Storm Drilling, and Shell Offshore where he retired after 32 years of service as a Senior Mechanical Technician working on some of the largest drilling and production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. He met his loving wife Erna in July 1972, and they were married in Langtry, Texas, on the steps of Judge Roy Bean's court in 1979. This was a proud moment in Jim's life. Jim and Erna were married for 39 years and were best friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Martha Kittoe, his father and mother- in-law Hugo and Wanda Wolter, his brothers- in-law Hugo Alfred Wolter and Wilman Robert Wolter. He is survived by his loving wife, Erna Kittoe and his godchildren Rocky Lee (Erica) Lorenz of Prosper, Texas, Daniel Lorenz of Spring, Texas, William (Briana) Lorenz of Pleasanton, Texas, Dylan Lorenz of Conroe, Texas, John Wehman of Portland, Texas, Cameron Calvo of Austin, Texas, and Collin Calvo of Austin, Texas. Jim had a love for animals, horses, the Professional Bull Riders Association, racecars, and hot rods. Jim was referred to by his wife as "her MacGyver." Everyone who knew Jim knew that he was a jack of all trades from mechanical to electrical to setting up the latest and greatest electronics at his home or shop. Jim spent many hours "mechanic-ing" and tinkering in his shop at his residence outside of Banquete, Texas, where he had an arsenal of tools and gadgets to solve most any problem. He could fix just about anything. Those who knew Jim knew his love of Joe Cotten's BBQ, where he spent many Friday evenings with his wife grabbing dinner and catching up on local news with the staff at Cotten's who, after many years of interaction, were great friends of Jim and Erna. Joe and Cecil Cotten knew when Jim was at the restaurant they would have to get a new tablecloth ready because Jim always used his own pocketknife and it typically cut through the butcher paper dinner was served on. Pallbearers will be Rocky Lee Lorenz, Daniel Lorenz, William Lorenz, Dylan Lorenz, John Wehman, and Cecil Cotten. Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Custer, Ronnie McNeill, Bill Wehman, Tony Hill, Bobby Gallagher, Vic Gillespie, Jimmy Daniels, Jimmy Smith, Cameron Calvo, and Collin Calvo. Visitation will be Sunday, November 25, 2018 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Sawyer- George Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday at 10 a.m. November 26, 2018 at the Sawyer- George Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jeffery Thompson of Buda, Texas officiating. Burial to follow at Robstown Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. John Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in honor of Jim.