J. Michael Kimball

Joseph Michael Kimball, age 81, died at home on November 27th surrounded by the love of his family and caregivers. Michael, son of Harold “Bus” Kimball and Peg O’Neil Kimball, was born on March 6, 1943 in Springfield, OH.  He is survived by his wife, Christine, and his three children Justin, Micaela, and Hilary.

At a young age, Michael moved to Ithaca, NY, becoming a life-long resident. He attended Ithaca High School where he played on the IHS basketball team.  He was recruited to play basketball at Cornell University, and he graduated with a B.A. in Art History in 1966, and completed graduate studies in aquatic ecology.  He married Jill Stanton in 1965.

In the late 1960s, Michael joined his mother Peg as co-owner of Kimball Real Estate.  He and his good friends & business partners Peter Sarkus, Hunt Bradley and Lars Kallstrom began a new chapter of Kimball Real Estate when they shifted into property ownership and management.  Mike was an architect and designer, and among other accomplishments, together he and his partners built and developed Campus Hill Apartments.  Michael’s negotiating skills, ability to understand people, and his uplifting engagement style made him a savvy and successful businessman.  His business partners and staff were some of his dearest friends.

At heart, Michael was a family man.  His devotion to his family surpassed everything.  He and his wife “Cricky” were blessed to have 56 years of love, adventure and family life together.  He was an incredibly loving husband and father, and he was happiest when his family, including his beloved golden retrievers and cats, were all together and everyone was laughing and having a good time.

Mike was a devoted dad to his three kids, and extended his fatherly wings to community youth he coached in basketball.  For over 20 years “Coach K” was more than just an amazing shooting coach - he was a mentor and father figure to dozens of boys in the community.  He felt a strong call to inspire and uplift as many young men as possible, and always came with a positive affirmation. He had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued and appreciated, and he treated friends as his extended family.  He will be remembered not only for his incredible form and free throws, but for his unshakable optimism, vibrancy and uplifting attitude both on and off the basketball court.

Mike was also a globally renowned and respected fly fisherman, an avocation and devotion that was his passion from an early age and continued on throughout his whole life.  His face graced the cover of several professional fishing magazines, and he was once dubbed “the hand of god” by a group of fishing connoisseurs in the Catskills for his superb casting abilities. He was also noted for his fly-tying skills  He used his own materials to meticulously and creatively tie flies that were more like works of art than mere bait (his kids even brought them in for show and tell in elementary school!).  Mike spent many joyful days fishing on rivers in the Catskills, in the Western US notably Montana and Idaho, and also in New Zealand, Costa Rica, and other countries. He had a spiritual relationship with fly fishing that allowed him to connect deeply with himself and the natural world.

Mike had a creative spirit that wove into many of his endeavors, from fishing to business, design and his artistic practice, to the way he fathered, mentored, and worshiped.  He was a devoted member of the St. Catherine’s of Sienna Church, and his faith played a big role in his life from an early age.  Michael will be remembered for his big heart & beautiful smile, his relentless positivity, selflessness, ability to see the best in everyone and every situation in life, and his devotion to his family, church, community, and business.

A Catholic mass will be celebrated on December 12 at St Catherine of Siena Church at 1:00 p.m. Calling Hours will precede mass from 12 noon - 1pm.  Following the mass there will be a Reception and Celebration of Life.