James "Jinx" Michael Kidwell

James “Jinx” Michael Kidwell, 68, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:15 am on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born on September 27, 1957, the son of Paul and Edna (Armstrong) Kidwell.

Jinx was a graduate of Kokomo High School. He worked at the Walmart Distribution Center. He would dress up as Santa, the Easter Bunny, a clown, and the Grinch to entertain the children for the holidays and make balloon animals for them.

He is survived by his brothers, Jack (Sandi) Kidwell, John (Marcia) Kidwell, Joel (Kelly) Kidwell, and Jeff Kidwell; sisters, Judith Hatmaker, Joy Williams, and Julie Pickett; and several nieces and nephews.

Jinx was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Edna Kidwell; brothers, Jerry Kidwell and Paul Jay Kidwell; and sister, Jenness Rybolt.

A funeral service celebrating Jinx’s life will be held at 11 am, Thursday March 12, 2026 at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd, Kokomo, with Pastor John McCarthy officiating. A burial in Greenlawn Cemetery will follow. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the funeral home and an hour before the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home to assist with final expenses. Messages of condolences may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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