James Hubert “Jim” Kyle, age 80, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, in Tyler, Texas, after living with Parkinson’s disease for many years.
Jim was born on August 13, 1945, to James Oliver Kyle and Iris Moses Kyle in Gainesville, Texas, and was raised in Orange, Texas, where he was a standout baseball player at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School.
He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1968, where he proudly became a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and served as President in 1967. His fraternity brothers remained some of his closest friends throughout his life, and those lifelong friendships meant the world to him.
It was also at Stephen F. Austin that he met Kathy Morris, lovingly known to everyone as Kitty. They married in 1969 and shared 48 wonderful years together, building a marriage rooted in faith, laughter, unwavering devotion, and the kind of love that became an example to everyone who knew them.
Following their marriage, they moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where Jim proudly served four years in the United States Air Force. In 1973, they settled in Houston, where they built their home, raised their family, and where Jim began a successful career in banking before spending many years in the telecommunications industry.
Jim and Kitty made Houston home as they raised their two children, Jay and Katy, and built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They were active parents at Second Baptist School, where both of their children graduated, and they poured countless hours into supporting the school, its parent organizations, and Young Life. More than anything, they believed in being present.
In 2002, Jim took a leap of faith and purchased an Express Employment Professionals franchise, beginning one of the most meaningful chapters of his career. His daughter Katy joined him on day one, and they worked side by side for nearly two decades, building not only a successful business but countless memories together. Jim retired in 2018, leaving the business in Katy’s hands, knowing it would continue to thrive.
After Kitty’s passing in 2017, God graciously brought Christi Denney into Jim’s life. Their marriage brought him deep love, joy, companionship, and many happy years together in Jacksonville, Texas. There,
Jim found a wonderful community of friends and became deeply involved with H.O.P.E. Jacksonville, proudly serving on its Board of Directors.
If you asked anyone who knew Jim what defined his life, they wouldn’t begin by talking about his career. They would tell you about the husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend who never met a stranger.
Jim had a gift for making people laugh. His quick wit, perfectly timed one-liners, and infectious sense of humor could brighten any room. Even as Parkinson’s challenged his body, it never stole his ability to make those around him smile.
He was the dad who never missed a ball game. Whether it was baseball, softball, school events, or any activity his children were involved in, he was always there cheering them on. Later, that same devotion extended to his grandchildren. Nothing brought Jim greater joy than being Papa.
Many of his children’s friends grew up thinking of Jim as a second dad. He welcomed everyone with the same kindness, encouragement, and humor he showed his own family. His home was a place where people felt comfortable, accepted, and loved, and he had a remarkable way of making everyone feel like they belonged.
Jim also shared a special bond with his son, Jay, through countless hunting trips, weekends at the family farm in Huntsville, golfing, and traveling together. Those moments became some of the most treasured memories of his life.
If there was one thing that defined Jim, it was simply this: he showed up. He showed up for his family, his friends, his church, and his community. Whether it was sitting in the bleachers at a ballgame, celebrating a birthday, lending a helping hand, or sharing a laugh, Jim had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved.
Jim remained especially proud of his lifelong Delta Sigma Phi friendships and found great purpose serving on the Board of Directors for H.O.P.E. Jacksonville, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others.
Above all else, Jim measured a successful life not by titles or accomplishments, but by the people he loved and the time he spent with them.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Kathy “Kitty” Kyle; his parents, James Oliver Kyle and Iris Moses Kyle; his sister, Genie; and his adored nephew, Nick Cathcart.
He is survived by his loving wife, Christi Denney Kyle; his son, James Oliver “Jay” Kyle II and wife, Trish; his daughter, Kathryn Barrington Kyle and Justin Kuzniarek; his stepdaughter, Kelley Peacock and husband Nick; his grandchildren, Jack Dalton Kyle, Emma Kate Kyle, and Justin James Kuzniarek; his step granddaughter, Kate Peacock; his brother, Keith Kyle and wife Jacqueline; his sisters-in-law Judy Cruse and husband Aubrey, Cheryl Culifer and husband Chris, and Sandy Cathcart and husband Paul; his nephews Aubrey Cruse, Mark Cruse, Steve Cruse, Wes Kyle, and Brent Kyle; his niece Lauren Cathcart Bollich; along with many extended family members, treasured friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known his kindness and humor.
The family also extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and hospice team who cared for Jim with such kindness and dignity during his final months.
His legacy lives on through his family and through the countless lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, unwavering faith, and laughter. We are grateful beyond measure for the priceless gift of having had him in our lives.
A private family service will be held to honor Jim’s life.
Following the service, all who knew and loved Jim are warmly invited to join us for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Jay and Trish Kyle. In honor of Jim’s love for birthdays, we’ll gather to celebrate what would have been his 81st birthday by sharing stories, laughter, good food, and memories of a life well lived.
Please contact the family for the address or additional details.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that Memorial donations be made to H.O.P.E. Jacksonville or The Hospice of East Texas, Tyler.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
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