Jim Klein, AKA “Forklift Jim”, passed away in his home on Sunday, April 14th. Jim was the oldest son of John & Lillian Klein from Dickinson, North Dakota. He was the third of fourteen children, with seven sisters and six brothers. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joanne Fortier, his brothers, Ted, Terry and Bob Klein, and his infant daughter, Kimberly Ann Klein. He is survived by his siblings Loreta (Clyde) Boyko, Bernadette Seagrave, Mary Ann (Vince) Donovan, John Klein, Jane Aragon, Tim Klein, Dale (Sue) Klein, Gaylene Westrom, and Carol & Doug Rambousek. Jim married Alice Decker on March 3rd, 1962, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Gaylord, ND. Together they had five children; Jamie (Joe) Canape of Yakima, WA, Todd (Kelly) Klein of Billings, MT, Kimberly Ann (deceased), Shelly (Don) Smarsh of Laurel, MT, and Terence Klein & his girlfriend Kelsi Pulve of Ferndale, WA. He had six grandchildren; Tony (Alyssa) Canape, Megan Canape, Kortney Klein, Tanner (Taylor) Klein, Matthew Smarsh, and Emily (Aaron) Freeman. He had eight great grandchildren; Paislee Lanchbury, Avery & Colton Canape, Jahlil Seisay, Calvin & Henry Freeman, and Blakely & Tinley Klein.
Jim was born on a farm near Dickinson, ND on September 12th, 1936. He attended St. Joseph’s elementary school and Dickinson high school. In 1955 Jim enlisted into the Airforce where he spent eighteen months in North Africa. Jim remained in the service for four years until 1958. After his military career, in 1962, Jim & Alice moved to Billings, MT, so Jim could pursue a career as a mechanic. In 1968, Jim opened a used forklift sales and service business in Billings, which he owned & operated for 20 years. In 1987 Jim, Alice, and their son Terence moved to Yakima, WA where Jim opened "Forklift Company", which he operated until retirement in 2014.
Beyond his love for family, Jim had a great passion for baseball & softball. In 1952 Jim played baseball for the Dickinson Legion Team, where during a tournament, he played against Roger Marris who went on to be one of professional baseball's most prolific players. During the final inning, Roger hit a homerun just out of reach of Jim's glove to win the game. Jim's love for the game extended as a coach to countless boys' and girls’ baseball & softball teams over the course of his life.
On January 4th, 1972, Jim joined Alcoholics Anonymous where he maintained 52 years of sobriety as an active member, sponsee, and sponsor in the program. Jim started several AA groups over the years, and through the program his legacy lives on.
Jim & Alice have been active members of Holy Family Parish since 1987 where they have met many great friends and maintained their spiritual lives.
In lieu of flowers or cards, you can make donations to Holy Family Parish Religious Education Program (Yakima, WA) in Jim Klein’s name.
Jim's Funeral Service will be held at Holy Family Parish in Yakima, WA on Monday, April 22nd at 10:30 AM with a reception to follow.
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