Jesse James Kitchens, Sr.

Jesse was born on May 26, 1939 to Addie and Lester in Shubuta, Mississippi. His mother moved to and worked in Laurel, Mississippi. Jesse went to Piney Woods Country Life School in the 7th grade where he met Willie B. Powell. When he reached 11th grade, he went back to Laurel, Mississippi and graduated from Oak Park High School in 1961. Already accepted to enter Tuskegee University, Jesse received an invitation from Uncle Sam which he could not refuse. In December 1961 he enlisted in the United States Army. Fort Chaffee, Arkansas is where he completed basic training in the infantry. After basic he was stationed in Germany until December 1963. Returning to the United States in December 1963, SP4 Jesse Kitchens asked Willie B. Powell to marry him. They were married on December 31, 1963 in the city of New York the borough of Manhattan. New Year's Eve was their 50th Anniversary. SSG Jesse James Kitchens, Sr. became a career soldier in the United States Army. Through the years, Jesse and Willie had 3 wonderful children, Jesse James Kitchens, Jr., Crystal V. Kitchens and Kimberly L. Kitchens. He was stationed throughout the US, Germany, Korea, and Viet Nam. During his free time Jesse enjoyed coaching dependent youth sports activities, especially baseball. He would take the kids other coaches did not select and make an all-star team. He attended Cochise College in Arizona. He was a member of Prince Hall Masonic Lodge No. 141 Seoul, Korea where he received his 33rd Degree. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the Disabled American Veterans. SSG Kitchen went to Viet Nam in 1966 he was Squad Leader with the 196th Infantry Bde. He was wounded in Viet Nam and was medically evacuated to 249th General Hospital in Japan. Upon recovery he was assigned to Seneca Army Depot Escort Guard, in Romulus, New York where Crystal was born. SSG Kitchens served another Tour of duty in Frankfurt, Germany where Kimberly was born. From Germany he was stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Fort Huachuca became our home base installation. His last overseas tour was Korea. SSG Jesse James Kitchens, Sr. received Honorable Discharge on December 16, 1977 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Decorations, medals and awards received were National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star; Combat Infantryman Badge; Overseas Services Bars (1); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; Good Conduct Medal (4th award) and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. SSG Jesse J. Kitchens, Sr. leaves in bereavement his loving wife Willie B., children Jesse J. Kitchens, Jr. (Tonya), Crystal Shrader (Mark), Kimberly Poor (Chris) and two grandchildren Skye Shrader and Sterling Shrader. Also his Aunt Carrie Lee Saunders, his niece Marilyn Paty, his first cousins, Zant McCree, Marvin McCree, Deloris Cooley, Roosevelt Kitchens, a host of adoring sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.