James Fredrick Kleerup

James (Jim) Fredrick Kleerup, 89, died September 12, 2025, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Born in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late Bertil J. Kleerup and Winifred Marjorie Ortlund Kleerup, he attended New Trier High School and graduated from Stanford University where he met his wife Virginia (Ginger) Rice Austin. They married in 1959. 

The family moved from Los Altos to Newport Beach and then to Villa Park, California. Jim became one of the founders of Peripheral Business Equipment/Pertec. As the company grew, he branched out into facilities development, construction, and management for several companies. He retired in 2007 from the Los Angeles County Office of Education. 

In 2015 Jim and Ginger made the decision to move to Vi Highlands Ranch in Colorado. Jim had a wonderful life. He was a good husband, good father, and good citizen. Jim received community recognition from the City of Villa Park, The Boy Scout Council of Orange County, The Orange County Girl Scout Council, and Stanford University. As Scout Master (for 21 years!) of Troop 850 he guided hundreds of boys and mentored 62 Eagle Scouts. He and Ginger also enjoyed directing the KOA (Kleerup Organized Activity) campout for 35 years. 

His passing on September 12, 2025, came after experiencing several medical events. Jim is survived by his wife Virginia (Ginger) Austin Kleerup, their children Eric Christopher Kleerup (Janine), Marjorie Lucia Kleerup (David Hill), and their grandchildren Nicholas, Alexander, and James. He was predeceased by his brother Bertil Winfred Kleerup (LaNora). 

The family will be gathering for a small family remembrance in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice may be made in his remembrance.