James "Jim" J. Kindel's Obituary
James “Jim” J. Kindel, 93, went home to be with the Lord on July 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his wife and daughter.
Jim was born on February 5, 1933, in Clarion, Pennsylvania, to James and Elverda Kindel. After graduating from high school, he attended college before proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he began his career with Taylor Engineering as a surveyor. He later joined C & K Coal Company, where through hard work, determination, and exceptional leadership, he advanced to the position of Vice President of Engineering. He retired in 1996 after a distinguished career, taking great pride in his profession and the life he built through perseverance and dedication.
Jim met the love of his life, Shirley Kifer, while they were in high school. After completing boot camp, he and Shirley were married on April 4, 1953, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than 73 years. Together, they built a beautiful life, raised their family in Pennsylvania where God was the center of their home, and later enjoyed retirement in Winter Haven, Florida.
In March 2025, Jim and Shirley moved to Spotsylvania, Virginia, where he spent the final chapter of his life living with his wife and daughter, Christina Rodriguez. Family was always at the center of Jim’s life, and he found his greatest joy in the time he spent with those he loved.
He was a devoted father to Christina Rodriguez and Melinda Amsler. He was a proud grandfather to Benjamin Crawford, Abigail Crawford, and Eyon Sheffer, and a cherished great-grandfather to Annie and Wallace Crawford.
Through Christina’s marriage to Michael Rodriguez, Jim was also blessed with an extended family of seven step-grandchildren: Katie Teague, Sarah Rodriguez, Kimberly Riley, Samantha Rodriguez, Michael Rodriguez, Lauren Rodriguez and Victoria Hughes. He was further blessed with numerous step-great-grandchildren, including Michaela and Tristan Teague; Melanie and Anthony Rodriguez; Jackson, Sage, and Adeline Hughes; Iris and Amber Riley; Evelyn, Emma and soon-to-be-born Brelyn McCord.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James and Elverda Kindel; his sisters, Louise Taylor and Delores Snyder; and his sons-in-law, Michael Rodriguez and Bruce Amsler.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, his daughters Christina and Mindy, his brother Connell and his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and steady presence.
Jim will be remembered for his unwavering faith in God, his devotion to family, his strong work ethic, and his faithful service to his country. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, resilience, and love. Above all, he will be remembered for the deep devotion he shared with his best friend and beautiful wife, Shirley, who stood beside him through every season of life.
A memorial gathering will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on August 22, 2026, at the home of his brother, Connell and Brenda Kindel.
Address: 524 Penn St Sligo, PA 16255
Cell: 814-229-0849
Though deeply missed, Jim’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the values he imparted, and the countless lives he touched throughout his 93 years.
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