Dr. James Kitting

Dr. James “Jim” White Kitting, 93, of Morganton, transitioned peacefully to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.

Born in Lewistown, Pa., on May 26, 1932, Jim was the son of the late Dr. Robert Clair and Zelda White Kitting. He spent his childhood in Belleville, Pa., and, following high school graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Jim was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, and served as a military radio operator during the Korean War. He later went on to pursue a career in podiatry, attending Bucknell University and completing his medical training at Ohio College of Podiatry.

Dr. Jim practiced podiatry for 49 years in Mifflin County, Pa., caring for his patients with compassion and joy. Whether in his office, on house calls, or visiting patients in nursing homes, he loved his work and especially the people he treated.

Dr. Jim Kitting was united in marriage to the former Joan Gwendolyn Good on Aug. 29, 1964, in McClure, Pa. Married for 61 wonderful years, they spent the majority of their time happily residing in Reedsville, Pa., where they raised their two daughters.

Along with his loved ones, he valued friendships, neighbors, and serving the community. Dr Jim was a faithful, long-time member of East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church of Reedsville.

He was also a member of the Lewistown Rotary Club, BPOE #1600 of State College, Jaffa Temple AAONMS, Altoona and McVeytown Lodge #376. Dr. Jim was also a member of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association.

In his later years, Dr Jim and his wife transitioned to Morganton to be close to family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While in North Carolina, Dr. and Mrs. Kitting regularly attended Glen Alpine Methodist Church.

Dr. Jim will be forever remembered for his love of travel, golf, home improvement projects, and for his contagious laughter. He especially enjoyed time spent antiquing with his beloved wife, Joan.

Dr. Kitting’s legacy of selfless love and support of family, his quiet strength, strong work ethic, and sense of humor will live on in those who knew him best.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan Good Kitting; daughters, Laurie Kitting Toman and Kathryn Kitting Jacobs; grandson, James Toman (Lena); granddaughters, Rachel Lott (Brandon), Rebecca Hoff (Abram) and Charley Jacobs; great-grandchildren, George, Gwendolyn, James, baby Olivia Joan; and several cousins, a nephew and several nieces, including Debbie Kitting Sluder.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Jim was preceded in death by his older brother, Dr. Robert W. Kitting and wife, Jane.

A public viewing will be held from 1-2 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Friday, Sept. 19, at East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church, Reedsville, Pa. The committal service will take place in Church Hill Cemetery immediately following the service.

In memory of James Kitting, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Cards or letters may be sent to his beloved wife Joan at the following address: Grace Ridge Retirement Community, (Room 151) 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center in Morganton is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may also be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.