James M. Kless

Chester, NY

James M. Kless passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at his "home away from home" Myrtle Beach, SC. He was 59 years old.

The son of the late Frank and Joan Kless of Ruby, NY, he was born October 9, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he served from the years 1968 to 1971. He was the recipient of five military decorations including the Purple Heart for wounds received during his tour in Vietnam.

Appointed to the New York City Fire Department on August 13, 1977, his career was a testament to his commitment to both his duty and his beloved brotherhood of fellow firefighters. In 24 years, he left his impact on the members of Engine Company 283, Engine Company 84/Ladder 34 and Engine Company 90/Ladder 41. He was awarded the FDNY's Holy Name Society Medal for distinguished service in the line of duty. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on June 24, 1989.

A life committed to the service of others, James was a member of numerous community organizations notably: Greenwood Lake Elks Lodge; NYC Retired Firefighters of Orange County, NY; Marine Corps League; VFW #4662 Warwick, NY; Myrtle Beach South Carolina Retired Firefighters Assn.; the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and was a founding member and Chief of the "Shady Grove Fire Department".

A devoted husband and father, James is survived by his wife of 37 years, Joanne; his three sons: Adam Kless and his wife, Sue of Goshen, NY, David Kless and his fiancée, Stephanie Heller of Stroudsburg, PA and Paul Kless of Yonkers, NY. He also leaves behind two beloved grandchildren, Ethan and Molly Kless. Survivors also include brothers, Frank and his wife, Peggy of Ruby, NY and Richard and his wife, Terri of Smithfield, RI; his sister, Kathleen Smith and her husband, Eddie of Saugerties, NY. He was Uncle Jim to Eddie Kless, Richard Kless, Kristen Hilton, Eileen Gumble, Joey Smith, Christine Smith, Eric Kless, Justin Kless, Jenna Kless, Brian Martin, Greg Martin, Kim Martin-Frawley, Mark Martin, Michael Martin, and Mary Jo Martin.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 26, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, 139 Stage Rd., Monroe, NY.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, October 27, at 10 a.m. at St. Columba R.C. Church, 29 High St., Chester, NY, with Fr. John Bonnici officiating. Burial with full Military Honors will follow at Orange County Veterans Cemetery, 111 Craigville Rd., Goshen, NY.

Memorial contributions in Jim's name to the New York City Firefighters Burn Center, c/o the Cornell Burn Center, 525 East 68th St., PO Box 137, New York, NY 10065 are appreciated. Please include your return address so that the memorial is acknowledged.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas F. Flynn, Director of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers. For additional information, directions to the funeral home, church or cemetery or to offer the family condolences, please visit www.flynnfh.com or call 845-783-1811.