James M. 'Jim' Kitsko, 77, of Latrobe, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital. Born May 21, 1947, in Latrobe, he was a son of the late John J. and Emma E. (Levay) Kitsko. Jim was a member of St. Vincent Basilica Parish. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War; he served in the Navy with ACU-1. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Standard Steel, Unity Cemetery, and Doug Gross Landscaping. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 515, a life member of the VFW Post No. 3414, the Lloydsville Sportsmen Association, and the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Richard 'Jack' Kitsko. Jim is survived by one sister, Joanne M. Kitsko of Latrobe; a sister-in-law, Patricia Kitsko; a nephew, Jeffrey J. Kitsko; special cousins, Thomas Sass (Marcia) and their family Kevin, Brian, and Gabriel; Bob Krempasky (Joan) and Wanda Demangone (Dennis); and several other cousins; and his cat, Joey. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, at St. Vincent Basilica. Interment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery with military services accorded by the Greensburg VFW Post No. 33. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westmoreland County Food Bank, Action for Animals, or to a charity of one's choice. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.