Dr. James Bernard Klint

KLINT, Dr. James Bernard -- Loving husband of 38 years, father, and friend passed away on April 19, 2003, after a nine-month battle with cancer. Born in Rockford, Illinois on May 5, 1942, Jim Klint subsequently graduated with honors from Yale University, receiving his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine. He served his internship and residency at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and University of California in San Francisco. Board certified in internal medicine, hematology and oncology, he was part of the last doctor draft and served two years at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he was also associated with Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Kling joined the Palo Alto Medical Clinic in 1975 as an oncologist/ hematologist and was part of the teaching faculty at Stanford University for 15 years. He joined the Sports Medicine Department of the Palo Alto Clinic and became involved with sports medicine at Stanford University, associated primarily with the football and basketball teams. In 1979 he became the team doctor for the San Francisco Forty Niners, serving in that capacity for 23 years. His professional success was measured by his close relationships with coaches, players and staff. He was instrumental in establishing the NFL substance abuse program and considered it one of his proudest accomplishments. His 49er career was unsurpassed by any other physician in the NFL - he is the only physician among the NFL Doctors who has five Superbowl rings. Jim's legion of friends and patients will remember him most for his caring and compassionate nature. His patients knew of his willingness to give each of them as much time as was ever needed. His friends benefited from that same generous nature. Jim was always available to his friends, willing to listen and give honest straightforward advice if need be. His impact on so many lives is amazing considering the time he gave individually to so many patients and friends. After his retirement from the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in 1997, he spent his time as a consultant to biotech companies, served on the Board of Directors of several companies, as well as the Board of the Page Mill YMCA. Jim enjoyed playing golf and was particularly proud of his contributions toward the renovation of the Palo Alto Hills Country Club Golf Course. When his granddaughter was diagnosed with Type One Juvenile Diabetes in 2000, he became a supporter and shortly thereafter a member of the Board of Directors of The San Francisco Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. In addition to his other affiliations, Jim was a member of the NFL Team Doctors Associations and the Yale University Alumni Association. He was a member of the Menlo Circus Club, the Menlo Country Club, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. His first love was his wife, Kris, his childhood sweetheart of more than 45 years. He is survived by his son, Erik Klint, and daughter, Karin Riley, son-in-law, Jim Riley and two grandchildren, Emily and Will Riley. Jim is also survived by his brother, Ted Klint of Rockford, Illinois. Jim will be remembered for his honesty and sense of humor, and most of all, for his love and devotion to his family, his patients and his friends. A memorial service will be held on May 1, 2003, at 12:00 at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church on Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions in Jim's memory be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (415 977-0360) or Pathways Hospice (800-753-3071). Arrangements under the direction of ROLLER HAPGOOD & TINNEY, Palo Alto, CA.