James M. Klippel

It is with heavy hearts that the family of James M. Klippel Jr. announces his passing. Jim passed away peacefully, holding Terry's hand on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. He was the oldest of three boys born to the late James M. and Betty Hazelbaker Klippel on Aug. 20, 1948 in Youngstown. He grew up in Batavia, N.Y., with his brothers side by side, sharing a close-knit bond, as each other's protectors, partners in crime and greatest supporters. Jim was an accomplished drummer and during the rise of Rock 'n Roll in the '60s played in early rock bands across Western New York. As a member of Beethoven's Dream Group had the distinction of cutting a record - a milestone he cherished deeply. His love for music never waned, keeping his drum kit close by, could still lay down the beat to the classic "Wipeout." Jim was a proud veteran of The United States Army Military Police. Serving stateside during the Vietnam War was stationed at Fort Sill Oklahoma assigned to AWOL Apprehension. Upon discharge Jim moved to the Warren area and earned his Bachelor's Degree at Youngstown State University in 1978. Jim married Terry (Terese) Bell on July 19, 1997 and together with Jim's daughter Allyson and Terry's girls Jacquelyn and Valerie Nuzzi, became a blended family, accepting each other's faiths, families, and traditions. They were married for 27 years sharing all of life's joys and challenges together and was always happiest when around family and friends. Jim loved time spent with his daughters and their husbands and being "Pops" to their six grandchildren; Addison and JT Kistler, Shenley and Oren Sommers, and Alex and Lincoln Shaker was his proudest title. Jim worked both in the public and private sector for Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Unemployment Office, Fairhaven Sheltered Workshop and Rapid Design Services. Always having an entrepreneur spirit, he became a small business owner and operated a shrink-wrapping business, Metro Corrugated at the former Lordstown Space Center and owned Arrow Parcel Express and operated his own DHL station in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He will be forever missed by his loving wife Terry, daughters Allyson and Clint Kistler of Bristolville, Jacquelyn and Nick Sommers of St Clair Shores, Mich. and Valerie and Chris Shaker of Hudson, along with his grandchildren. He is survived by his two brothers, Calvin and Kathy Klippel and family in Batavia, N.Y., and Scott and Miriam Klippel and family in McAllen, Texas. He also leaves in-laws Jeanine and Tony Montana, and Steve and Linda Bello and families. Terry will be forever grateful to Calvin and Kathy for their many trips to Ohio, her family for their constant presence and support along with best friends Jay and Marriane Bice. She is thankful for the guidance of Dr. Wm Eddy, Cathy RN, Tara and staff, Dr. David and Cathy Fredericka, and Dr. Kristen McCarthur from the Cleveland VA. She also thanks the staff at Windsor House of Champion, CareBuilders at Home, and aid Andrea Whitlow for their respectful, compassionate care. Memorial donations can be made in Jim's name to Veteran's Outreach, 17 Colonial Drive, Youngstown, OH 44505 or Hospice of the Valley, 979 Tibbetts Wick Road, Girard, OH 44420. A member of Saint Pope John XXIII-Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Campus, 381 Robbins Ave, Niles, OH, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11AM Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. Jim will be honored for his military service by The Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard immediately following the mass. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Rossi and Son Funeral Home, Niles, Ohio. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James M. Klippel, please visit our floral store.