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James Kleba Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Kleba
Sponsored by Danette Hoffert and the Kleba family..
Brodie Jensen
March 24, 2024
It´s been a long time since I worked with James and I still remember and admire him. He taught me a lot. The world is a sadder place without him. Thank you James.
Brodie Jensen
March 25, 2023
I still remember James with heartfelt memories and endearing times I spent admiring James for so many things while working with him at HNC. He taught me so many things I still keep with me today. He helped me become a better person by watching him and striving to build his best qualities within myself. I miss him. The world could really use more men like James today ten years later. Thank you James for all you worked to become so that I could benefit from knowing you.
Brodie Jensen
March 24, 2021
James was my supervisor at HNC Software back in 2001. He taught me a level of professionalism that I still strive toward today. He was a role model and an inspiration for me.
Michael Pelkey
March 3, 2019
I made the acquaintance of both James and Danette through cycling during our club's Saturday rides, mostly while stopping for coffee 3/4 of the way through.
I got started to cycling later in life, and tended towards endurance events rather than speed, so I didn't ride with the faster groups to which James favored and belonged on Saturdays.
I came to know both of them a little better as time passed with the addition of cycling related activities within our club, and then, like everyone else, I eventually heard about James's illness.
I remember seeing them once together on a ride up Del Dios Hwy, noticing the slower pace they were keeping, and it became more evident the seriousness of James's condition. And too, I would see them together at Java Depot after James was no longer riding, but there still was the possibility that he might improve. Sadly, this was not meant to be and the news came that he passed.
What I want to say here is that I read everyone's comments and was quite moved at the tributes and remembrances posted from years past, and especially to point out the lovely pic of Danette and James together as posted.
I will always fondly remember James and and it is my good fortune to continue to see Danette on club rides and at our coffee shop.
Danette, love to you, and may your forward motion continue to inspire others!
Brodie Jensen
October 8, 2017
James you impressed more good and lessons for my own personal and professional improvement than you would have ever imagined. I had the pleasure of working for you for two years at FICI and from day one I respected you as a man and as a leader. I can't say how saddened I was to see this today. The world is most certainly a less colorful and dynamic place without you but I have peace knowing you are at rest. Thank you James for your passion and genuine concern for others. I will miss you.
[email protected]
Corwin Contursi
August 15, 2013
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Jeff Sanchez
April 27, 2013
I was blessed to be in a Comedy Improv Group with James. James imparted on me to go beyond field - past the fence. It was called innovation. I modeled myself to be just as unflappable as James and any project or goal I aim for, I never lose sight on what he has taught me through how he lived his life. I miss my comedy pal.
Suzanne Crane
April 18, 2013
Danette, thank you for spending time with all of us at FICO to remember James. He was a gentle giant - definitely a favorite around here - and it's just not the same without him.
I love the idea of "Tour de Heaven," and loved hearing how the pair of you lived more in your 29 years together than most people do in 60.
James, you will always be an inspiration to us all; we were so lucky to know you. Enjoy your heavenly rest, sir!
Frank McKenna
April 16, 2013
James was an amazing person that I had so much respect for. The thing I admire the most is his kindness and the way he treated people. He made the world a better place for those around him. That is the real measure of his life is the kindness he gave others which was abundant.
French countryside.
April 12, 2013
Mindy Weinrich
April 9, 2013
What I saw in James was a wonderful person and athlete that had many passions. His favorite "His Danette". Love to both of you.
April 9, 2013
my dear cousin. much love to all....
Audrey Thornton
April 8, 2013
I knew James from riding with him on the SDBC ride for many years. He was always an inspiration to me to stick with it: ride hard, never give up and always do it with a smile; he had so much fun. I will remember him always. Strength to you Danette - Rest in Peace James.
Thom Kezas
April 7, 2013
James, here's just some of my memories of you that stick out...you were always smiling...you always said nice things about others...you were passionate about everything you did (Danette especially)...you wore that bracelet (or necklace I can't remember) that said PMA for positive mental attitude - you could have written that book!...the first time I met you was in a a break with just me and you and you won and that wasn't the last time that happened...you showed up to Willows Road Race with a strait block and when I gave you crap about it, you promptly rode the race I you're big ring too!...when we were coming back from a race and you were so excited talking about it, you fishtailed you're truck getting on the freeway. I'm glad I knew you Klebe...you had a heart of gold and in a sport of egos and attitude, you were a shining light of positivity.
Christina Orciuoli
April 7, 2013
James was a gallant and courageous warrior of life. He fought for more time to spend with his treasured partner Danette. He was an inspiration to all!
Danette remember: Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
April 7, 2013
Dear Danette: Thinking of you this Sunday morning & hoping James' Memorial Celebration is both a joy & comfort to you. I too am sorry that I can't be there but I will be taking a bike ride by the lake a little later today in honor of him. I send you love, Valerie
Karen Tracy
April 7, 2013
Peace and mercy for you and Danette
Marilyn Tjaden
April 5, 2013
I had the privilege to ride my bike with Danette and James! As James rode, he had his chemotherapy infusing. Such an inspiration! Danette and James were so gracious and grateful we came out to support his fight to beat Cancer. Day in and day out he kept his schedule to work and do much more than any person I have ever know. I work with Danette and find such grace and beauty and support for James, despite her own personal health battle. Rest In Paradise James!
LOVE YOU!
Marc Lee
April 5, 2013
My favorite memory of James has nothing to do with cycling although that was how I first met him. He had disappeared from the cycling scene for a few years and now and then I found myself wondering what ever happened to him. One freezing cold night I happened to see James walking outside a local restaurant sheltering an obviously sick Danette from the cold. The expressions on their faces made me realize he was a lot more than just another bike racer, and they were a lot more than just another couple.
Richard Gasso
April 5, 2013
I knew James since his birth and was proud to call him "cousin" the title he earned--Uncle Richard
At least once a year we got out of sports attire.
April 4, 2013
We almost joined the circus (trapeze show).
April 4, 2013
Loved many sports, especially water sports.
April 4, 2013
It is fun having friends to hang out with in high places.
April 4, 2013
Life was always an adventure, picking up colorful friends along the way.
April 4, 2013
More style sense.
April 4, 2013
His sense of style started early.
April 4, 2013
Many talents, especially on bikes.
April 4, 2013
He had a six-pack as soon as he could walk.
Danette Hoffert
April 4, 2013
Never afraid to take on the big things in life.
Danette Hoffert
April 4, 2013
April 4, 2013
Dear Danette. On behalf of the Doctors and staff at LJCSC, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Gloria Hokr
April 4, 2013
I didn't know James but I know Danette. Knowing how special she is James must have been a remarkable man. My deepest sympathy to Danette and all friends.
Fred Nicolet
April 3, 2013
James and I both started racing for SDBC as a cat 4 back in the 80's. He out shined me and most of the peloton. Like everyone else I'm going to miss him.
Bill Kennedy
April 3, 2013
James and I found ourselves off the front after a hard effort. I knew it was too far to the finish and there was too much speed and power in the field behind us for the two of us to make it. I sat up. "Bill, get up here and work, we are going!" James directed me. "It's too far to the finish, I'm not strong enough!" I answered. James reached back, grasped my arm, and pulled me forward, "We're going, both of us together, it doesn't matter if we make it." I pulled hard, then dug deeply to hold his wheel as he pulled through. And then me. And then James. I reached into myself and rode harder than I ever remembered. James used everything he had in him. This is where James lived every day, using all that he had .. encouraging others toward achievements stronger than they thought they could.
Dave Wolfson
April 3, 2013
I got to ride with James many many times on the SDBC ride on Saturdays. And when I could keep up, I got to know him. He will always be special to me as a friend and fellow rider. And I've come to learn that riding was just one aspect of this amazing person. James, we'll always miss you.
Penny Wood
April 3, 2013
God Bless
Chicago, 2006
Chrys Lavelette
April 3, 2013
Thank you for loving my darling friend, Danette. Know that both you and she are held tightly by friends and family who will always remember your fun, your strength, and your spirit.
David Molfese
April 3, 2013
Most of all, James, I will miss stumping for your political campaigns and spinning your comments. Thank you for the laughs. Many. And often.
Michael Visser
April 3, 2013
James and I were colleagues for 14 years, first at HNC and later at FICO. We became fast friends, although we hardly ever socialized outside of work, because he was my boss. I came to admire James for his passion, his intellectual cusiosity, and his commitment to always do the right thing, even when it was hard. He was fair, honest, and gentle-tempered. In 14 years, I never heard the man utter an unkind word about anybody - and believe me, he had ample opportunity. In 14 years, I never heard him even swear!
Even inexorably caught in the clutches of his illness, James never failed to lead by example. He was an inspirational leader, always searching for ways to make our development team better, always urging us to be inventive and creative, always looking for ways to improve quality. In a real sense, part of James' lives on in the architecture of z/OS Falcon - it was mainly his ideas that led Falcon to become the flagship solution for the detection and prevention of credit card fraud. I sometimes referred to him at work as zJames (z/OS is an IBM operating system).
For me, James was the epitome of courage. He faced the appalling circumstance of his illness by never giving into it and never giving up. He never showed the slightest bit of self-pity and deflected any effort of others to show him pity - he didn't want that. But that is not to say that he hid his illness - an impossibility as the cancer progressed. In fact, in private conversations that we had, he was remarkably transparent and would give forthright answers when I would ask "How are you feeling, James?"
He is simply one of the best people I've ever known, and I know I'll never meet another person like him. I've missed him everyday since his passing and I think I will miss him everyday hence. I know I will never forget him.
Rest peacefully, James.
Scott Goane
April 3, 2013
I only meet James once. But immediatly liked him. Seeing how he was loved so, I know he will be missed
April 3, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
James and Danette
Bobbi Cross
April 3, 2013
I'm so glad that I met met James. He was such kind and caring man. He touched everyone's lives with love and humor.
Barrio Logan Bike Race
Danette Hoffert
April 3, 2013
"Tour de Heaven, the eternal race." Bevvie.
James thanks for almost 29 years that got better everyday.
As Jim Ring, the President of the SDBC stated, "Those of us, who were fortunate enough to share our passion for cycling with James, will never forget the pure and simple joy we shared with him traveling down the road. His strength, humor and example were an inspiration to competitors as well as friends, both young and old. James was much more than a cycling friend. He was a loving husband, a consummate professional at work and wherever he went, he inspired and motivated those around him to reach a bit higher, dig a bit deeper and share a laugh along the way. Although he is gone, his strength and character will live in all those he touched."
Donations in his honor can go to the SDBC or to Relay for Life/American Cancer Society-online or mail to 13446 Poway Rd. #566, Poway, CA 92064.
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