John R. Kleinjan

DELHI, N.Y. - John R. Kleinjan, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 25, 2014.

John was born in Bismarck, N.D., on May 12, 1929, to John R. Kleinjan Sr. and Leota M. Landis. He grew up in Bentley, N.D., and graduated from Lemmon High School in 1947. He attended North Dakota State University until 1949 and served in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic D36 for four years.

He married Betty Mann on April 22, 1956. Betty and John were married for 57 years until Betty's death April 1, 2012.

John worked as an aerial photographer and mapping pilot for more than 40 years. He traveled all over the country with his young family before setting down roots in Sparta. He and Betty moved to New Town, Pa., for several years and eventually retired in Betty's hometown on Kelleytown, Ga., where John was active with the Kelleytown Presbyterian Church as an Elder and member of the choir.

John is survived by his children: John R. Kleinjan Jr. and his wife, Sharon, Alice Vislay and husband, Tim, Katie MacKeracher and husband, Don, Betsy Clark and husband, Brian, Dottie Lin and husband, David; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother, Jasper and wife, Colleen, Kleinjan; one nephew; and two nieces.

Services will be held at Kelleytown Presbyterian Church in McDonough, Ga., on Saturday, March 22, at 11 a.m. Those who will be following the jazz band to the church, please meet at Kelleytown Food Mart at 10:30 a.m. and wear comfortable shoes.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kelleytown Presbyterian Church per John's wishes.