Mr. James (Jim) Spray Kidd, 89, passed away at his home on September 28, 2018. Visitation is scheduled for September 29, 4:00-7:00 PM at the Fayetteville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be at the Fayetteville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church on September 30th at 4:00 PM.
He was born April 9, 1929 in Harms, TN and was the son of William Calvin and Maggie Spray Kidd. Mr. Kidd attended the Citadel before transferring to and graduating from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a degree in Business Administration in 1951. He received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee School of Law the same year. He was a practicing attorney from August 1951 until August 2018 and had an active career in public service. From 1954 to 1966, he was elected and served as Circuit Court Clerk. He was elected and served as District Attorney General for Bedford, Lincoln, Marshall, and Moore Counties from 1966 to 1990. As DA, he directed all criminal prosecutions, the Drug Task Force, Child Support Enforcement, and Victims Witness programs. He was also licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Throughout his career, he served on numerous legal boards including the Tennessee Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee and Alternative Dispute Board, Legal Services of South Central Tennessee, and Tennessee Commission for Children and Youth.
Mr. Kidd joined the Tennessee State Guard at age 15 during World War II. He joined the Air Force and advanced to the rank of Staff Sargent during the Korean War where he served as Intelligence Specialist and in the Judge Advocate General section. After his service during Korea, he went into the Army and reached the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Artillery Division.
In addition to his legal and military careers, Mr. Kidd was a farmer and business man. He grew up on a farm and continued to raise cattle and crops throughout his life and was a longtime member of Farm Bureau. He served as President of Citizens Insurance Company of Lincoln County and was a Board Member since 1959. He also served on the Board of Directors for the American Automobile Association of Tennessee.
He joined the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1933. He served as Deacon, Elder, Clerk of the Session, Congregational Chairman, Moderator of the Tennessee-Alabama Presbytery, and member of the Choir at the Fayetteville ARP Church since 1960. He also served as an Elder Emeritus at the Lincoln ARP Church. From 1949 until 2014, Mr. Kidd was an active Sunday School teacher except while stationed with his military assignments. He served on the Board of Trustees for Erskine College, the Executive Board of Synod, Board of William H. Dunlap Orphanage, Ecclesiastical Commission on Judiciary Affairs, and the Board of World Witness. He was also a Gideon.
Mr. Kidd loved the Lord, his church, the legal profession, his office, chocolate sauce, ice cream, tax deductions, no complications during calving season, and making sure his children were up and working at 5:30 AM on Saturdays. His devout faith guided him to always “do some good,” and he took pride in his children’s professional accomplishments and their commitment to family. He also loved his “sweet, intelligent, and faithful ” wife who cared for him, their children, and their home for many decades where, as he would say, “every day is a good day.”
Mr. Kidd is survived by his wife of over 63 years Roberta Wales Kidd; eight children Martha Kidd Kelly (Gary ) of Fayetteville, Dr. William Kidd (Denise) of Fayetteville, Thomas Kidd (Teresa) of Lafayette, TN, David Kidd (Luanne) of Fayetteville, Dr. Mary Kidd Barker (Reid) of Atlanta, GA, Robert Kidd (Helen) of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Sarah Kidd (Mike Ray) of McKenzie, TN, Deborah Kidd Vear (Kevin) of Atlanta, GA; two sisters Nancy Kidd Hall and Jessie Stewart McFerrin of Fayetteville; 19 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 step great-grandchildren .
A private burial will be at Lebanon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Fayetteville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church or Gideons International.
Sad news to learn about the passing of this proud and q uiet man.He was always so helpful to our family. My mom always admired his family. So sorry to hear and I am praying for all your family. Nancy Freeman Glover Lane
To Mrs. Roberta, Mary Elizabeth, & Family,
The City of Fayetteville has lost a God Fearing, Family oriented, Diligent working, Highly educated, man. Mr. Kidd was meticulous and accurate in his Law profession and he has helped so many people. His life, work, and legacy will live on in history.
“There is a time and season for every activity under the heaven” Ecclesiastes 3
God Bless,
Rev. Regina Taylor and Family
Mrs. Kelly,
Your father sounds like the most remarkable man, a man that left an incredible legacy. We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
I true Southern Gentleman and great man has passed on. He will be missed by many friends and family. A very sad loss for Lincoln County.
It is with great sadness that I have heard of the passing of Mr. Kidd. He was a very good friend of our family and to so many in the community. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest condolences to the Kidd family and friends. I am a distant cousin but grew up across the state in Adams, Tennessee. I had heard of Jim but never met him until my cousin Peggy Wright told me that he had conducted extensive research into the Kidd Family Lineage. She facilitated a meeting and he graciously spent an afternoon carrying my son and me to cemeteries and telling me much about my family’s history. He invited us to come to his office the next day, opened his files and copying machine to me, and sent me Bach to South Florida with a wealth of information. We communicated a few times after that but soon time, distance, and busy lives eroded the relationship. I had hoped to visit him again but never had the chance. In closing, I cherish the memories of talking with him and appreciate the time that he invested in assisting me discover my identity. He was gracious, courteous, and, although our relationship was quite distant, made my son and I feel like family. May God richly comfort and heal the family during this time of grief.
Dearest Roberta,
We are so sorry for your loss. We suspect the past few months have been hard and pray you will be able to take some time for yourself and your wonderful family to heal and rejoice in this beautiful country we are privileged to live in.
You have been an incredible wife and mother and may God bless you until the day you are reunited with your husband in your heavenly home.
Jim was a good friend of ours for the last 23 years. He will be missed.
Love and prayers for you and your family Mrs. Kelly.
My condolences to and prayers for the Kidd family. My grandparents and parents have known Mr. Jim for years, and I, myself, have always found him to be a soft-spoken, kind gentleman.
Sorry for your loss.I remember Mr Kidd from my childhood and remember that he was the kind of person to see you some where he always spoke and sometimes even chat for a while.
Mr. Jim Kidd was a fine man and a true example of a gentleman and teacher. He leaves behind an army of family whom he has served very well. Lincoln County will never forget Mr. Jim and neither will I. Prayers and love to the Kidd family today and in the coming days.
Lenace Hyde Vaughn
Kidd family:
I’m so sorry for your loss. Peace be with your family.
Martha, so sorry for your loss. I am seeing this as we travel to the beach for fall break. You and your family are in our prayers. Peggy
Lifting up this family in prayer. We love you, Martha, and pray God will give you peace and comfort. Stay str0ng in your faith and He will never forsake you.
Prayers for comfort for the family and friends left behind.
Mrs. Roberta and family: You all have been friends of our family for so many years. I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Jim’s passing. We will remember you in our prayers. God bless, Janice (Moore) and Brent Gregory
Thomas J I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather, he was always very kind to me and my mother.I send my love and condolences to you and your family.Love always Little T
We lost a great man today. Sending sympathy to your wonderful family. A Lincoln County treasure who definitely influenced many with his words, guidance & sweet smile. I always thought of him as a kind soul who seemed to enjoy life. What a legacy Mr. Jim leaves!
I have know Mr. Kidd all my life. I know he will be deeply missed by family and everyone that knew him. I never meet a kind talking man in my life.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was always there when I needed advice, and his children have been a blessing to me in so many ways. God bless you all.