James "Jim" Klein Obituary (1935

James "Jim" Klein, 79, of Decatur, formerly of Pana, passed away peacefully at 1:23 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Jim was born July 11, 1935 in Pana, the 4th son of Celeste A. Ethelyn D. (Galvin) Klein. Jim was a graduate of Pana Township High School in 1953, and also attended the University of Georgia for a brief time before returning to Pana. He worked for A.E. Staley Firestone for a time, and then he and his brother, Fritz, began a small home construction business. Jim remained in the carpentry/construction field for the remainder of his working years. He was a member of the Carpenters Local 742 in Decatur, Pana Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight in 1966, and he was also a 4th degree Bishop Griffen Assembly. In his spare time he liked to play Bingo and watch Illini basketball. He married Joyce Rowley in February 1955 in Pana, and to this union, 6 children were born. Jim later married Judy McMillen on September 4, 1982 in Pana and she survives in Decatur. Also surviving Jim are his children: Cathy Dixon (Joe Dorris), Aurora; Steve (Jill) Klein, Paxton; Joan Harry, Jean Wynn, Brenda Klein-Nelson, all of Champaign; Jim (Marnie) Klein, Danville, IN; Randy (Pam) McMillen, Warrensburg; Ryan (Darby) McMillen, Paducah, KY; 17 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister: Lynn Conner, Decatur; and brothers: David "Fritz" Klein John "Mike" Klein. Jim was preceded by his parents; 4 brothers: William "Bill" Klein, Ormond "O.J." Klein, Richard "Sleepy" Klein, Jerry Klein; and grandson, Jeremy Nelson. Funeral Information Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with Rev. Marge Overlot officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until service time in the funeral home.