James J. "Jim" Klein

James "Jim" J. Klein, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted son of the late Alfons J. and Julia (Dalton) Klein, Jim was born August 22,1943 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Jim was a caring husband to his wife Mary Karen (Mahony) Klein for 58 years. Together they built and cherished a beautiful life in Allentown where they raised their two children.
Jim graduated from Pottsville Nativity Catholic High School and earned a B.S. degree in Physics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. Jim's professional journey was marked by his significant contributions as a computer systems engineer at IBM where he worked for 25 years. After his retirement from IBM he worked as the Director of Computing Services at Lafayette College until 2005.
He was able to enjoy his first 10 years of retirement in The Villages, Florida, where he could relax, spend time with close friends and family, and focus on his love of golf. Jim's passion for golf extended beyond the greens, as he skillfully crafted golf clubs for others and built his own business, Precision Golf. The name was a perfect fit, as we all knew Jim as a man of great precision and perfectionism
Many will recall Jim in his royal blue Hamilton Park baseball jacket. He wore this with pride as he coached his son for many years through the Hamilton Park Athletic Association.
Jim was a family man whose legacy is defined by his unwavering love, generosity, and dedication to his parents, wife, children and grandchildren. Summers at Lake Wallenpaupack were a cherished tradition for him. It was at the lake where he found joy in boating, fishing, and engaging in water activities with his family. Whether it was motorcycle rides, long chats on the deck, or smores by the fire, Jim treasured these moments of togetherness. His memory will forever be honored by his family, who will continue to celebrate the love and warmth he so generously shared. Jim's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Karen, daughter Kristin Harris wife of Bill of Allentown, PA, son James C. Klein husband of Angie of Sinking Spring, PA, and sisters-in-law Marg and Gail Klein and his grandchildren Sydney, Nathan, and William Harris, and Grady and Lexi Klein and his many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joan Smith wife of Vince, and brothers Robert and Joseph Klein.
Our family would like to thank Family Pillars Hospice and Nest in Place for their compassion, dignity, and support as we cared for Jim in his final days.
As we grieve the loss of Jim, let us also celebrate the life he lived. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26th at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. A visitation will precede the Mass from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, in memory of Jim, the family asks that you consider a gesture of kindness or an act of support for someone in need.