James S. Kimmel, 76, formerly of 4th Street, Ellwood City, died at the Butler VA Hospital, where he was a resident in the VA long term care facility.

Mr. Kimmel was born on March 30, 1935, the youngest of twelve children to the late Edward and Esther Zirock Kimmel. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School and Carnegie Institute and a member of the Air Force. He was also a member of Holy Redeemer Parish and the Knights of Columbus. After his discharge from the Air Force, he made his home in Florida. He returned to this area in 1971 and worked at the Youngstown Osteopathic Hospital as a medical lab technician for 30 years and most recently, at the Ellwood City Hospital in the same capacity.

The most important thing in Jim's life was his family. As his boys were growing up he was known in the neighborhood as 'Super Dad'. He spent much quality time with them playing, nurturing and just listening. As the boys grew into men, they always knew that they could count on their dad to listen, understand and provide guidance. They will miss him beyond measure but take comfort in the fact that he provided them the foundation for who they have become. One of the last statements he made was that it had been an honor to have been their father. He also enjoyed playing tennis, reading and traveling.

Jim's legacy will live forever through his sons, Edward (Dee) Kimmel of Tallahassee, FL, Atty. James Kimmel of New York City, Andrew Kimmel of Columbus, OH and Martin Kimmel of Chicago, IL. He also leaves his former wife, Jean Kimmel of Poland, OH. He is survived by seven grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, a brother, E. Joseph Kimmel of New Castle, a sister, Patricia Figurel of Ellwood City, as well as numerous nieces and nephews with whom he remained close.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Jill Kimmel and Linda Nicholson; three brothers, Edward, William and John Kimmel; six sisters, Mary Keppler, Dorothy DiMarzio, Elizabeth Anspach, Delores Arkwright, Margaret Craft and Esther Kondrasuk, and his first wife, Mimi Kimmel.

Friends may call at the JOSEPH A. TOMON JR. FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 97 Grim Ave., Ellport, on Friday, March 23, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Holy Redeemer Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. Full Military Rites will be conducted at the church following the Mass by the Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

The family would like to thank the personnel in the Medical Laboratory at the Ellwood City Hospital who were enormously kind and helpful to him in the last months of his life. Their thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated.