James Arthur Klar

CHAPLIN

James Arthur Klar, 84, passed away in his Chaplin, CT home on November 10th with his loving wife, Rhonda at his side. Jim and Rhonda were soulmates and did everything together.

Born in Memphis, TN, on November 23, 1940, Jim grew up in Manchester and Bolton, CT. He attended Manchester High School, Manchester Community College and received his Bachelor of Science from Central Connecticut College.

He joined the US Marine Corps at the age of 17, earning the rank of corporal and competing in international shooting competitions with the British Royal Marines on behalf of the US Marines. Symbolically he left this world on the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the US Marine Corps.

Jim's great passions were family, friends, people, traveling and work. Jim and Rhonda spent 18 years of their winters in Venice and Edgewater FL. He was a general contractor for several years before transitioning into sales of specialty metals for the aerospace industry, including owning and operating RJ Enterprise Inc, with Rhonda. He loved gardening, landscaping, cutting firewood and doing physical work. He also loved to camp, hike, fish and play golf. He had a wry, clever sense of humor that endeared him to his family, friends and clients. He was cordial and respectful to everyone he met and cared sincerely about other people. Whether it was the car mechanic or waitress, he was considerate and took time to make them smile and to learn about their interests and family. He loved children and was always excited to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

James Klar is survived by his wife of 30 years, Rhonda Heck Klar; his children, John Klar and his wife, Jackie Klar of Brookfield, VT, Nancy Klar of Suffield, CT; his stepchildren, Mark Sousa of Tolland, CT and Danielle Sousa Schuff and her husband, Phil Schuff of Salem, CT; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his brother, Walter Klar of Harwich, MA, sister, Mary Klar and her husband, Ron Murray, and sister, Carole Stafford of Mystic, CT. Jim was pre-deceased by his parents, James Shepard Klar and Marjory Hemenway Klar.

The family will celebrate Jim's life in the Spring, a time of rebirth and life.

Donations in his memory are invited for Blood Cancer United.

James Arthur Klar