Gary Jason Kitahara, age 60, of Lee’s Summit, MO, honorably passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at KU Medical Center, after a two-year hard-fought battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Services will be held on Saturday, July 13th at Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO, with visitation from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by memorial service at 2:00 p.m.
Gary was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 5, 1958, to Joji “George” and Sachiko “Mae” Kitahara. He grew up in the Brookside area of Kansas City, Missouri, with his parents, brother Joey, Uncle George, and grandmother. Gary graduated from Southwest High School in 1976. He attended UMKC while also working with his father, Joji, at J & J Shoe Repair on 10th Street between Grand & McGee. When his father retired, Gary took over the family business where he met some great lifetime friends. He decided to change his career path, closed the shoe shop and started a computer technology business, known as Kit One, LLC. Over the last 30 years, Gary has had the pleasure of working with many clients who have become dear friends. He was the true definition of a “jack of all trades” man. He knew how to do everything and if he wasn’t 100% sure, he researched it or knew whom to contact to get the answers he needed. Gary was the Japanese MacGyver. He was everyone’s “go-to” man. In his final days, his confidants were asking, “who am I supposed to call now?”
In 2004, Gary and Debbie married in Peculiar, Missouri, where their families became a blended family. Gary was a great father and proud of all five of his children. He always said his children were his greatest accomplishments. One of Gary’s favorite titles included the honor of being called “Papa” and he loved spoiling his three grandchildren. Gary had many passions including anything fast and dangerous, racing competitively in time-trial competitions, riding horses with his loved ones, taking his family on ski trips, spending time with his family for any occasion, flying (with his own pilot’s license), being a provider for his family and opening his heart and home to anyone in need.
His legacy will continue to live on through his wife Debbie Kitahara of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, children Cole Kitahara of Kansas City, Missouri, Christie (Mike) Diederich of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Jenny Roberts of Punta Gorda, Florida, Dalton Kitahara of Raymore, Missouri, Gracie Kitahara of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and three grandchildren: Lily Diederich, Eathan Kitahara and Olive Kitahara. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Joji and Mae Kitahara.
In lieu of flowers, donations honoring the life of Gary Kitahara can be made to: The Kansas City Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis at www.shorturl.at/ortLN or contact KCFPF@kcpulmonaryfibrosis.org or checks to 13725 Metcalf Ave. Box 286, Overland Park, KS 66223.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441