James Julian "Jim" Klingenberger, 84, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born to Julian George and Lucille Clarice (Sarrazen) Klingenberger on September 25, 1940 in Fort Wayne and was a 1958 graduate of Central Catholic High School. Jim was a Veteran of the US Navy serving as a Submarine Specialist aboard the USS Growler during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his military career, he returned to Fort Wayne and married the love of his life, Linda Kay Stevens, with whom he spent the next 60 years. Jim was employed at International Harvester for nearly a decade before moving on to The Journal Gazette and later to Lincoln National Life. He was a longtime member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
He loved the water and spent many summers aboard his or his son's boat tooling around Lake James. He knew everyone and especially loved to participate in bowling and card club, local senior games, and playing poker with his sons and grandsons. He was a hometown son, and loved all things Fort Wayne from the 3Rivers and Johnny Appleseed Festivals to the Komets Hockey, where he served as usher after retirement. He was a doting grandfather and was a constant presence at their many activities and sporting events. He enjoyed woodworking and made several keepsakes, including rubber band guns and ping-pong shooters (which were quickly confiscated by nervous mothers) for his grandsons. He never shied away from a good story and was a master at embellishment.
He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Linda, his daughter Karen (Alberto) Gonzalez, sons Thomas (Kelly Egly), David, and Kevin (Amanda) Klingenberger, his sister Carol Platter, all of Fort Wayne, his thirteen grandchildren: Jason Gonzalez of Miami, Florida, Alyssa Gonzalez of Fishers, Indiana, Jenna Gonzalez of Fishers, Indiana, Nolan Gonzalez of Scottsdale, Arizona, Michael Klingenberger of Chicago, Illinois, Colton Hathaway, Austin Klingenberger, Matthew Klingenberger, Bridget Klingenberger, Ryan Klingenberger, Nathan Klingenberger, Madelyn Klingenberger, and Kaitlyn Klingenberger, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana and 2 great-grandsons.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Lucille Klingenberger.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, and on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 9:30 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 4916 Trier Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46815 with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.