Hildegard James, 1920-2020

Hildegard Anna James, 99, of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Savannah Court.

She was born July 6, 1920 in Starsiedel, Germany, to the late Herman and Anna Kittel. She moved to Miami from Baltimore, MD in 1949, then to Lake Wales in 1989. Hildegard was a manager for Burdines Department Store. She attended Lake Wales Lutheran Church.

Hilda was a spunky, energetic, stubborn, and generous lady. She loved cats, shopping, being in the company of others, and having fun. She loved her family fiercely. May she rest in peace.

Hildegard was preceded in death by her husband, Carl James on June 9, 1995, and brothers, Helmut Kittel, and Werner Kittel. Survivors include her niece, Jeanne Niermeier of Aberdeen, Md; nephew, Rev. Charles Kittel of Pingree Grove, Il; Cousin Irene McCormick of Perry Hall, Md; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

The family will be having a service at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2020, preceded by a visitation from 3 p.m. until the time of service, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home, 454 South Buck Moore Road, Lake Wales. Interment will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida next to her husband.

Johnson-Nelson-Gill Funeral Home in Lake Wales is handling arrangements.