James Lyle Klein

Jim Klein, 83, passed away on January 14, 2017. Jim was born in Lynwood, CA on May 23, 1933 to Ada Klein and Jack Klein. Jim grew up with his parents and brother, Jack Jr, in Southgate, CA. He attended Southgate Jr. High & High school. He was a strong athlete and member of the Southgate All-City Gymnastics team. Many of his subsequent years were spent near the ocean, where he became very passionate about swimming, diving, and surfing. He worked as a beach lifeguard for the city of San Clemente, CA. He spent countless summers exploring the Baja peninsula, camping, diving, and fishing. After high school Jim enlisted in the Navy, following in the footsteps of his brother and father. He was stationed at the naval base in Astoria, OR. After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1954, Jim pursued a degree in Petroleum Engineering at Harbor Jr. College in San Pedro, CA. He later transferred to Long Beach State where he earned a BS.Degree in Biological Science. During this time Jim married Nancy Lou Danner. They had 3 children: Steve, Tami, and Tina. Jim began what became a long and exciting teaching career. This included teaching in Watts/Los Angeles CA, Orange County CA, San Clemente CA, and Dana Point CA. He also moved to American Samoa in 1970 with his son Steve to teach Science on television. He taught at San Clemente HS and then became Science Department Chair at Dana Hills High School, CA. He carries a legacy of adventure in the earlier years of public education. He organized many trips into Baja, Mexico to conduct Marine Biology field trips in remote areas along the Gulf of California. Jim met Cheryl Meyer while teaching at Dana Hills High School. They were married in 1974 and had 2 children, Molly and Geoff. During this time, Jim continued to pursue a life of many athletic achievements. In the summer of 1976, Jim & Cheryl rode their bicycles across the USA from San Clemente, CA to Portland, MI. In 1980, Jim and Cheryl moved to Sandpoint, ID. In 1984, Jim qualified for Ironman and competed in Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’i. He also competed in numerous marathons, ultra-marathons, and triathlons. He worked with Schweitzer Ski Patrol for over 25 years. He was an avid handball and beach volleyball competitor. Jim taught Math at Bonners Ferry High School, Sandpoint High School, and Sandpoint Middle School for many years. He also worked at the Alpine Shop as a ski mechanic and most recently worked with the team at Bonner County Bicycles in Sandpoint. Jim is survived by wife Cheryl, children Steve (Jennifer) Klein, Tami Folger, Tina Klein, Molly Klein, and Geoff (Lindsey) Klein, grandchildren Chantil, Kyler, Candice (Geoffrey), Gavin, and great granddaughter Daija. A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church, Sandpoint at 1:00PM, Feb 4th. A dinner potluck “Celebration of Life” immediately following will be at VFW Hall.