James Edward Klansnic, Sr.

February 23, 1920 ~ July 25, 2014

Raise a martini- one olive, on the rocks - to the life of James "Jim" Edward Klansnic, Sr. As a devoted Catholic, he found great solace in his faith. As an Army Air Corp pilot, he proudly served his country as a B-17 bomber pilot in WWII. As a child near Enumclaw, he really did the task of milking the cows on the family farm before walking to school. As an adult, he worked 37 years as a hydraulics/pneumatics engineer and manager at the Boeing Co. And as a family man, he was a devoted husband of one, father of six, grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of three. He was also a loyal friend to many in Enumclaw, Bellevue and beyond.

Jim shared 50-plus years of marriage with his wife, Tillie Bernice (d. 1995), a nationally ranked tennis player who squinted so hard when she laughed tears streamed down her face. Both were beloved fixtures at Sacred Heart Church in Clyde Hill, and together they polka and square danced, skied (they were original investors in Crystal Mountain resort, where Jim skied up until two years ago), hiked, worked out at Bellevue Club (also charter members), played bridge, read books, attended UW and Seahawk football games, traveled, relaxed at their Whidbey Island beach cabin, laughed, cried and presided over a large, close-knit family.

While in service to our country as a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in April 1944, the B-17 bomber he piloted was shot down over Steyr, Austria. All his men survived and sought shelter in an abandoned cabin. German soldiers arrived outside the cabin and shouted, "AUSSTEIGEN!" Jim knew exactly what this meant: "GET OUT!" His mother spoke some German and frequently yelled this word to the farm cats. (Though once the war started, she forbade anyone to speak German around the house.) He spent 13 months in an Austrian POW camp called Stalag Luft 1 and was liberated in May 1945.

He was also widely known for his devotion to the service of his community. A founding and charter member of the Knights of Columbus of the Bellevue chapter - he served as Warden and as Grand Knight (1984-1985). He often put his carpentry and electrical skills to work making improvements to Camp Brotherhood in Mount Vernon, Wash., where the mission is to forge an interfaith dialog between all the world's religions. And when a severe flood devastated Honduras, he and his longtime friend, the very funny and gregarious John Shorkey, quickly flew down to help rebuild the houses of strangers in need. Jim also did a weekly "bread run" for many years taking donated bakery goods to St. Francis House and several other missions in downtown Seattle.

Jim was predeceased by his sister, Sally, and is survived by his sister, Lorie, brother, Dick, and his children: Marilyn (Bruce), Jimmy Jet (Elaine), John (Diane), Paul (Heidi), Mike (Karla), and Barb (Kevin). The grandchildren he could not get enough of: Milena (Franky), Phoebe (Chris), Celena (Logan), Tyler (Kristin), Kasey, Chad, Cody and Zach. And his great grandchildren, Hazel, Olive and dancing fool (following in his footsteps and his middle namesake) Atticus James.

Jim passed away peacefully, holding the hand of his son, Paul. Now he's at rest next to Tillie.

For those who wish to honor Jim's passing, we suggest a donation to Camp Brotherhood (http://www.treacylevine.org/), a place and group of people that meant so much to him and who were grateful, in turn, for his dedication, elbow grease and good humor.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Jul. 30 to Jul. 31, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Klansnic

Sponsored by The Family.

6 Entries

On behalf of John & Tess Weber

October 27, 2017

Did James ever get to Modesto to see John & Tess before he died - he was so proud of his orange trees & garden. John had pics of he & James in the entry. Represented a lot of yrs at Boeing. One stood out-the one were they had on those special ties. John told me a lot of stories about his little brother - ONE was about John Weber's baby brother when he took a high ranking officers jeep for a joy ride in Alabama. After the war - both James & John went to work for Boeing - they spent a lot of yrs together. I am John's sister in law & just wishing condolences since I am the only one left. John & James had a good life at Boeing. A lot of History.

Pamela Fuller

August 11, 2014

Jim and Tillie Klansnic were two of my parents' dearest friends. They (and their children) spent many happy times in our homes, on the tennis court, up at Crystal Mt.'s Alpine Inn, at Boeing Management events, at my parents' condo at Snowater (Mt. Baker--Glacier, Wash.), and at various Boeing Ski BACs trips together in Canada, the Cascades, the Rockes, and beyond. Jim Klansnic will remain an inspiration to the children of his contemporaries... He truly was part of that "Greatest American Generation" that was formed in the crucible of the Great Depression and World War II. I always admired his faith, and his public service. I really believe and am so grateful that my parents--the late Jim and Patricia Fuller--are in such good company with longtime, dear friends up there in heaven. Like Jim, they really knew how to work hard, and have fun together. I imagine and hope they are all toasting Jim's arrival into eternity right now, hugging, and continuing to love. Jim was and remains an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know him! Thank God for his life...and I'm so grateful my parents had him and Tillie as friends.

Judy VanDerhoef

August 5, 2014

Jim was one of my mother's first students in a one room schoolhouse in the town of Krain, WA (now just a corner in Enumclaw). He was a very kind and faithful visitor to my mother--Helen Topel--until she lost the ability to recognize him. I know she would be praying for him now at 105 yrs if she were able.
What a lovely reflection of God's goodness he was! k Thank you, Jim and God bless you.
Judy VanDerhoef

John Kozol

August 1, 2014

As an investment client of mine for 30 years, Jim was a pleasure to work with. He had a sharp and inquisitive mind and we learned a great deal from each other. I appreciated Jim for the kind and thoughtful person that he was. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

July 31, 2014

Condolences from the "Butts Family". It is so hard to see our folks and their good friends leave this earth. We pray for your family at this time.
Joanne Butts Petersen, on behalf of our family. Good memories.

Jeff Stroebel

July 31, 2014

Paul, Those of us at Open Window School are really sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He sounds like an amazing guy who led a very full and rich life.

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