James "Jim" Robert Kuykendall, Jr.
February 1, 1933 ~ October 15, 2018
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
James "Jim" Robert Kuykendall, Jr., 85, of Candler, passed away Monday, October 15, 2018, at Mission Hospital.
A native of Haywood Co., Jim was a son of the late James R. Kuykendall, Sr., and Thaisa McLean Kuykendall.
Jim loved sports, and played professional baseball with the Milwaukee Braves as a pitcher. He also loved to golf and fish.
Surviving are his wife, Wynelle "Wendy" Ford Kuykendall; daughters, Sheree Baker and Jan Cundiff; son, David Kuykendall; 6 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Kuykendall will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Acton United Methodist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Acton United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 171 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
WOW TIME GOES BY……I REMEMBER JIM FROM YEAR’S GONE BY…..HE WAS A GOOD MAN….
To the Kuykendall family,
So sorry for your loss. Jim is in a better place. Keeping your family in my prayers.
I love this picture of Jim. It is exactly as I remember him from my teenage years…full of life and joy. I have such fond memories of the Kuykendall house and all of the fun we had together ‘back in the day.’ Thank you for those precious memories. My love goes out to all of you…Wendy, Sheree, Jan and David. I know how hard it is to lose a father. I wish you peace and joy as you remember the good times your family has shared. All my love…
Wendy I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I have enjoyed my conversations with him over the past 17 years, and hearing all about his days in baseball, and how much he loved to fish. I will keep you and your children in my prayers. Jamie Revis, Asheville Dental
Wendy, Sheere,David and Jan my heart is so full of sadness. I just can’t believe that Jim has passed. I have so many great memories that our families have shared together beach trips, playing in the snow, weekend cookouts and so much more. Even though we have all gone our separate ways, you all will always be a big part of my childhood memories . I love you all. May God give you the strength to help ease the pain.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are for your entire family
Wendy, not sure you will remember me but I worked with JIm for 20 some years at RCA… Jim will be missed by all who knew him. Jim was a great person and boss. I have a lot of memories of our time at RCA.. I will keep you in my prayers.
Dear Wendy and Family
I was saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. We always referred to him as ‘Krute’. It seems so very long ago that we all resided in Boodleville at Western Carolina. Those were good old days when we all we striving to make ends meet while trying to get an education. Dwight ‘Rabbitt’ was the catcher for Jim on Western’s baseball team. They also played on the football team. Dwight passed away in April of this year, so I feel the sadness you are going through at this time. I wanted you to know that I remembered you both so well. My prayers are with you all.
Oh, Wendy, I didn’t learn of Krute’s death until Saturday. He was such a big part of the class of ’51 at WTHS;. and such a dear friend. I have the most fun memories of our gang. It was a happy time in our lives!
I knew he wasn’t well, and I am sorry for your loss.
I will be in touch with you..Please know that you are loved
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Courage!
We were out of town and so saddened to hear of your loss. We knew we hadn’t seen you out and about at your regular eating establishments but were so surprised to hear of ‘Big Jim’s’ passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family.