John Kenneth Kitchen

John Kenneth Kitchen, age 51, passed on May 8, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimers. He arrived into this world on October 28, 1972, born to James J. Kitchen and Olivia B. Murguia in San Bernardino, California.

John was raised in Colton, California and grew up with his brother Jay Kitchen. John was a diligent student at Colton High School who excelled in academics. He was a boy of summer. His first love was baseball, and he idolized Don Mattingly. The Dodgers and Chargers would soon become his seasonal passions and attending playoff games was what he loved. He was independent, humorous, witty, yet sentimental. He also loved music, the beach and spending time with friends and family.

After graduating from Colton High School in 1990, he attended San Diego State University and in 1994 earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology followed by earning a master’s in educational administration from California State University, San Bernardino in 2000. In 1997 he married Michelle A. Lopez, his high school sweetheart, and started a teaching career as a high school history teacher for the Colton Joint Unified School District in 1997. Eventually becoming an AVID Teacher and Coordinator at Colton High School. In this role, John gave back to his community in a profound way. He guided and motivated many Colton Yellowjacket students to reach the pivotal goal of being accepted to a 4-year university upon graduating from high school. This would eventually impact the trajectory of many young lives by opening them up to a world of opportunities and possibilities. He loved his career. He loved his students and built lasting friendships with many of them. Despite having to retire early in 2015 his career and impact were meaningful.

Although he loved helping students learn to believe in themselves and reach lofty goals, he loved being a father to Reese. He became a father in 2002 and everyone knew that Reese was his pride and joy including his high school students. John had a special bond with Reese and enjoyed watching him grow and learn. Many happy memories that were captured in photos and videos would eventually become symbolic of John’s fatherly love for Reese when he lost his ability to access words and speech.

Sadly, John battled a slow but steady decline due to Alzheimers. For the last 8 years, John endured tremendous debilitating physical and mental challenges yet, with family by his side, he endured this with immense courage and strength.

John loved his family and friends dearly. Reese was the light of his life and his relationships with his family and friends were cherished. He was a son, brother, grandson, godson, nephew, cousin, friend, uncle, teacher, colleague, husband, and father. He was happiest when part of so many loved ones' lives. He will truly be missed and will never be forgotten.

He is preceded by his mother, Olivia; brother, Jay; and grandfather and grandmother, Ben and Sara Murguia.

He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle; son, Reese B. Kitchen; father, James J. Kitchen; step-mother, Susan Kitchen; godparents, Ben & Gloria Murguia; aunts, Armida Yee, Anna Leon, and Linda Ramos; uncles, Glenn Murguia, Edward Leon, and Gary Yee; mother-in-law, Debbie Lopez; brother-in-laws, Guy Lopez, David Lopez, and Gabriel Fernandez; sister-in-laws, Jessie Fernandez, Rosa Lopez and Lorraine Lopez; as well as, beloved cousins, step siblings, nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

Celebration of Life will be on June 7, 2024 at 10 AM at Centerpoint Church, 170 W. F Street, Colton, California, 92324. An 11:30-12:00 PM Committal will take place at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E Washington Street Colton, California 92324. Reception to follow please see family for information.

Remember Me In Quiet Days

Remember me in quiet days,

while raindrops

whisper on your pane.

Remember in your memories

have no grief,

let the joy we knew remain.

Remember me if once you wake,

to catch a glimpse of red sunrise.

Remember when your thoughts

do turn to me,

know that I would not have you cry,

but live for me, and laugh for me.

When you are happy so am I.

Remember an old joke we shared.

Remember me when

spring walks by.

Think once of me when you are glad

And while you live, I shall not die!