James E. Klapps

James E. Klapps, son of Louis and Catherine Klapps, died Aug. 14, 2009, in Fairbanks.

He was born April 25, 1928, in Sugar Notch, Pa., where he attended and graduated from the local parochial school. In June 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and completed basic training at Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, Md. He was a GM3 and served aboard the USS Power and USS McKenzie. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and awarded the China Service, Japanese Occupation, Korean and United Nations medals.

Jimmy went to work as a lumberjack in Westfir, Ore., then went to San Francisco to attend welding school.

He moved to Alaska and worked as a lumberjack in Ketchikan and Juneau and joined the Laborers' Union in 1958. Jimmy moved to Fairbanks in 1960 and began his 33-year career in construction. His first job was at Clear Air Force Station. He worked various construction jobs throughout the state until 1974, when he began work on the trans-Alaska oil pipeline.

Known as "The Trouble Shooter" Jimmy worked up and down the pipeline until he retired in 1993. After his retirement, Jimmy could be found riding his bike around town and visiting with all his "Birds.''

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Rachel Woody, Mildred Merva, Rose Kenderski and Mary Ribeiro; and his brothers, Joseph Dominic and John Klapps.

He is survived by his brothers, P. Patrick Klapps of Silver Spring, Md., the Rev. William Klapps of Bear, Del., Jerome A. Klapps of Bear, Del.; several nieces and nephews; and all his friends in Fairbanks.

He will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township, Pa., following the Mass of Christian Burial in the cemetery chapel on Saturday, Aug. 22.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to St. Raphael Catholic Church, P.O. Box 10508, Fairbanks, AK 99710.

Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home.