Dear Ede, Beth, and Matthew,
I read of Jim’s passing a couple of weeks ago along with Lynn Roark of Toulon.   I didn’t tell Bob of either of them because of his poor condition. .Heaven must have needed musicians this month.   I am so sorry.  So many memories of all the hours spent shopping at Kidders Music…even back in the downtown building.
Joyce Baskovic

To Ede and Jim's family.  I was deeply saddened to learn of Jim's passing.  He was a fine person and  regarded him as a good friend.  Pam and I have enjoyed knowing you and Jim and will miss him.  I appreciate all Jim did for me when I was relearning my instrument (trombone) and helping me join the Pops orchestra and the Senior 
Band.  I also appreciate all you both did to get the Heartland Festival Orchestra going, and for your strong support of the musical arts in our community.  Best wishes and sympathy to you all.

I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Jim and I were in the same class (1989-1992) on the NAMM Board. He was a creative thinker and a fine gentleman. To Ede, Beth, and the entire family, my deepest condolences.

So sorry to hear this news. I got to know Jim and his family through the annual NASMD music conferences. Hardworking, principled, fun loving, and kind are words that come to mind when I think of Jim. He left us all better than he found us, that’s for sure.

Very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing…. He was an awesome person to know and be around…. Prayers for you Beth and your family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Mark Victor

Jim was one of a kind - great in generosity, humor, and heart.  He was the founding President of the Board of the HFO, and led it with wisdom and savvy for its first decade.  Cannot begin to express our gratitude, admiration, and appreciation for Jim and all he accomplished and gave in his remarkable life.
Jim really "got" music - through the lens of his musical training, and his deep appreciation of musicians and music educators. Here he is on stage, ringing an historic bell as a 'gag' in a performance of "Bahn Frei" Polka by Johann Strauss.  
Thank you, Jim, may you rest in peace!
Karla and David

Every moment spent with Jim felt an absolute privilege.  His warmth, humor, and wisdom were a blessing to us all and we will always cherish the time we had with him.   Our thoughts are with the Kidder family, his many friends, and his communities.

I am so sad and heartbroken. I just got notified by my family that my “friend father” had passed. I know that there is a great deal of sadness right now, but I am struck by how many great memories of time shared with “Kidder” that I have. I wish that I weren’t in a hospital bed right now because I would love to locate and share the great picture from Disney World of me in front of Ede and Jim  and Mickey. It is such a great source of good memories. I know that he is now free to enjoy as many Vidalia Onions as he wants. My thoughts go out to all who are grieving the loss of a great father, husband, and friend.

Edie, Beth, Matt, So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.Jim was such a great person, friend to everyone.  Loved by all, especially by my son.  He will be greatly missed.

On behalf of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, we are sad for his loss and are focusing on celebrating the life of this amazing man.   His laugh, the sparkle in his eye and the support of others were contagious.  He knew how to get things done and inspired others to do the same.   He did so  with a bang, but it was always a musical bang.  We miss you, Jim and our condolences to you, Ede.

This man taught me what it is to be a good man. He showed me what a good father to his family really is. His example taught me so much.

 The passing of Mr. Kidder (I do not think I ever called him Jim, ever,) is a great loss to us all and to me personally.  This man was a good man and I will always consider his family to be my family.

 I will miss him.

We have known Jim and Ede since we moved to Peoria in 2014. I was introduced through a mutual friend after he learned I was interested in keeping bees. Jim volunteered without hesitation  to become bee mentor to me, a complete stranger and transplant. He taught me everything I know about beekeeping and much more. From mentor to dear friend his loss is acute. Anytime I needed help or had a question or had to borrow something it was instantaneous. He would often times drive over and lend a hand - as in this pic helping to install a new package of bees when we moved back a second time in 2021. Cherished memories sitting at Jim and Ede’s kitchen table chatting after working in the yard. The excuse was coming over for help but the reward was time together. He would light up a conversation with wit and humor. We lost a good one. Ede let us know if you need anything from us. I owe Jim so much, but he of course would never see it that way.

Mr Kidder was my band director for many years in Lacon. Always patient and kind.  I am so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.

Jan Fleming Rinehart

Ede, I offer condolences to you and your family. I'm sending along hugs and prayers for peace and comfort for you each and all. 
I met you and Jim via Larry and the "Frat Rats" at the 40th reunion at IWU. I feel honored to have been included in the lasting friendship those guys formed and maintained.

Kidder family, my deepest sympathy to you all!    My first exposure to Jim involved hunting - Giant Goose Ranch with fellow Tremont friends.    From there we found other opportunities to hunt . . . pheasants  north of Peoria . . . ducks in Arkansas.     Music easily became a common interest - Stan Kenton, in particular.   I introduced him to "Tommy," performed by the London Philharmonic.    We both liked it loud!    I will miss him - we enjoyed each others' company at Senior Citizen Band events!!

Rich Kriegsman

Am so very sorry to see Jim’s obituary this morning. A true mover, shaker and legend in music and business.   I admired him so.  Please accept my condolences to all of Jim’s family during this sad time.

Dearest Ede, Beth,Matt and family.  I am sooooo sad. My heart is aching. Not only was he the greatest boss, a dear friend to Jerry and I,  but, he was like a brother to me.  So many laughs and fun even thou there was sadness.  Love you all.

Jim started me on horn in the early 60’s. He was working for Byers’s Music at the time. He showed the school the instruments, and horn was the one I wanted to

Ede  and family,

Deepest sympathy to you and your family. 

Jim always had a kind word to say to everyone. 

Many prayers. 

Sincerely, 

Vicki and Gary Baumgarten

So sorry to hear about Jim. I hunted many times with Jim at Goldeneye.  Always looked forward seeing him the night before duck season even after he quit hunting.

Matt-
We are so very sorry for your loss. We know how much your dad meant to you and your family. Thoughts and prayers of love and comfort to the family in this difficult time.

Ede, Beth and Matt… I’m so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing.  The entire Kidder family was one that I truly enjoyed knowing.  During my time at Dunlap Grade,  I always found Jim to be a supportive, caring parent, one who adored his family.  He was always friendly and he always had a kind word to share whenever I saw him at school activities.  I’m sure that all of you are so very proud of the life he led.  Rest in peace, Jim…

Dan Roberts

Beth, I am so sorry. I know how close you and your dad were. Wishing you and yours strength and peace as you walk the path of grief.  Much love.

OBITUARY

James "Jim" Eugene Kidder

19 August, 1940 – 15 April, 2025

Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home

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