James (Jim, Jimmy, Opa) Early Kidd died at home March 17, 2026, following a short illness. He was born August 1, 1941, in Charlottesville, VA to Daisy Lurlein and George Morris Kidd. He also had an older brother, Norman, whom he adored. Jim is survived by his wife, Jamie Todd Kidd and his children Shelly Lynn Deans (Pete), Kristin Kay Inotu (Jude), Joy Ann Morris (Mike), and Julia Jeanine Adamczyk (Janusz). Also surviving are grandchildren Katelyn Franco (Juan), Lillian Deans, Parker Deans, Kendall Morris, Jordan Morris, Sophia Morris, Emma Morris, Matthew Adamczyk, and Christopher Adamczyk. Also is niece Heather Krigens, and nephews Mark Kidd and Terry Kidd, as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Jim was very proud of his career in the Air Force which spanned 20 years and "14 days". After his retirement from the military, and due to the specialty code, he had selected during his service and because of his tremendous work ethic, he was able to obtain an engineering job in 1981 with aerospace giant McDonnell Douglas and later Boeing, continuing on for another 20 years. His contributions spanned Spacelab, Space Station and also Missile defense systems. Following his official retirement from Boeing in 2006, he dedicated his time and energy to his grandchildren, his church, and his community.

Jim's priorities were God, family, country and he was very proud of all. He grew up in Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, VA, served as deacon and elder at Madison Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Madison, AL and grew old at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Merrit Island, serving on the local vestry.

Jim was well thought of by all. In addition to his various military awards/ribbons/medals, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Snoopy by NASA, an award presented to less than 1% of the eligible NASA and contractor work force yearly. He loved a good single malt scotch and belonged to the Wee Dram Society in Huntsville, AL, whose sole purpose was to taste and compare single malts. Through that membership, he made many lifelong friends. He also was an avid outdoorsman who loved fly fishing, golf, marksmanship, boating, and, most of all, participating with and mentoring his grandchildren.

Although Jim's passing will leave a huge void in each of our lives, is legacy will live on through his wife, and his children, grandchildren and all those friends he made along his path.

The funeral service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal church, Merritt Island, Saturday, March 28, at 2pm, with visitation at 1pm. Burial will occur immediately following the service, with a reception afterwards. In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, please donate to one of his favorite charities: JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), American Heart Association, or St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Merritt Island, Fl.