Mr. Klein worked as a supervisor in production control and retired from McDonnell Douglas Corporation. He was a United States Army veteran, a member of the Gear Jammers, the American Legion, the Germantown Spassfest, and a life member and longtime coach of the Belleville Little Devils football organization and the NRA.
Jim was an outdoorsman through and through. Camping, hunting, and reenacting 18th century history kept him busy throughout his life. Jim was a member of the French Colonial Artillery and Milice De Ste Famille at Fort De Chartres, and he made lifelong friends through all of his experiences.
When he wasn’t outdoors, Jim was either working on a project in his garage or reading a good book. Jim could fix anything on wheels and read a book of any size or genre.
He will be remembered for his engaging stories, his Mr. Goodwrench skills, his knowledge of history, and his integrity in every aspect of his life. Jim wouldn’t do anything unless it was the right thing to do.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernhardt and Edmee, nee Schopp, Klein; a sister-in-law, Marceline Krug; and four brothers-in-law, Orval (Peggy) Schloemann, Donald (Rene) Schloemann, Wayne (Sandra) Schloemann, and Gerald Schloemann.
Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Judie Klein, nee Schloemann; a son, Eric (Heidi) Klein; two daughters, Kim Gall and Jill (Doug) Taake; seven grandchildren, Grace and Luke Klein, Barrett and Colten Gall, and Avery, Addie, and AJ Taake; two brothers-in-law, Lloyd “Butch” (Agnes) Schloemann of Shiloh, IL, and Kenneth (Alline) Schloemann of Belleville, IL; and many special nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Germantown Volunteer Fire Department. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL.