Otis James “Jim” “Boogie” Kite, Jr., 73, of Bonaparte, died at 7:21 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
He was born on May 3, 1951, the son of Otis James, Sr. and Bessie Mae Hatfield Kite in Keokuk. In August of 1970, he married Sandra Kay Stecker. They later divorced. On Nov. 5, 1983, he married the love of his life, Teresa Gilbert, in Wever.
He is survived by his wife: Teresa; three sons: Trae (Kyli) Kite of Milton, Iowa, Cory (Jill) Kite of Weston, Missouri, Tyler (Tiana) Kite of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; eight grandchildren; Deven, Cree, Cohen, Cooper, Kale, Lily, Tessa, Taylynne; two sisters: Cyrillis Kite of Farmington, Brenda (Joe) Cochran of Farmington; three brothers: Lloyd (Linda) Kite of Bonaparte, Joe (Kim) Kite of Farmington and Gerald (Diane) Kite of Mt. Pleasant. Also surviving are several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Wendy Lee Chase and two brothers: Roger and Robert.
Jim was a 1969 graduate of Harmony High School. He was a truck driver for forty-four years, retiring from Fed-Ex Freight in August of 2013. He enjoyed playing semi-pro football in the early 1970s (where he got his nickname “Boogie Bear”), fast pitch softball, coaching his Farmington Locker boys at the Stockport softball tournament, deer hunting, smoking meat, playing cards, teasing and joking with others. Most of all, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family especially his wife, children and grandchildren.
His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
A visitation will be held from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington, where the family will be receive friends from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.
Burial will be held on his birthday, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Croton Cemetery. A celebration of his life will follow.
A memorial has been established in his memory.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.