James “Jim” W. Kitzan, 81, Hebron, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020 in Stark County. Jim’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m. CT, Friday, February 28, 2020 at the First Baptist Church, Hebron with Rev. David Ling officiating. Interment will follow at the First Baptist Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Henry Biffert American Legion Post 100, Hebron. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

James “Jim” William Kitzan was born September 28, 1938. His parents, William “Bill” and Leila (Klein) Kitzan were also the parents of Gladys, Darlene, and Ronald. His grandparents were Jacob Kitzan, Jr. and Katie (Losing) Kitzan and Fred and Rose (Schneider) Klein.

Jim helped his parents as they farmed in several locations around Hebron; but several years after he finished school he rented the Christ Stickel place where he farmed until the fall of 1962. At that time, he quit farming and joined the Army.

After serving his military tour, Jim returned to Hebron and was employed by Auto Implement. He later worked for Sanders Chevrolet in Richardton and Liebelt Chevrolet in Beulah before he was hired at Zuroff Repair in Hebron where he worked for 20 years. During his working years Jim loved to fish and would often share fish he had smoked.

In his retirement years, Jim loved to garden. He spent many hours planning, planting, tending, harvesting, and talking about his wonderful garden. He enjoyed having visitors, especially when he could show off his garden. He would generously share fresh produce that he grew.

Other hobbies Jim pursued were woodworking and leather crafts, especially making leather keychains. Anyone visiting Jim felt obligated to take a few keychains before leaving. He also mailed them to cousins living outside of North Dakota.

Jim loved to drive his 2001 Mustang on North Dakota’s scenic roads, especially to Mott and Elgin. Those left to share Jim’s memory include his sister, Darlene; aunts, Flo Kitzan, Eleanor Kitzan, and Agnes Kitzan; a nephew, several nieces many cousins, and friends.