Cover photo for James "Jim" Michael Kleffman's Obituary
James "Jim" Michael Kleffman Profile Photo
1970 James "Jim" 2023

James "Jim" Michael Kleffman

September 21, 1970 — July 3, 2023

 

James “Jim” Kleffman, age 52, passed away after casting his last cast while fishing on Swan Lake near his beautiful lake home on Monday July 3, 2023, in Pengilly, MN, with his beloved dog, Bentley. He was born September 21, 1970 to David Edward and Jeanette (Hubbard) Kleffman in Hibbing.

Jim grew up outside of Hibbing and at the cabin on Big Sturgeon Lake, Side Lake, MN, where he enjoyed time in the water, fishing, swimming, water and cross-country skiing, and building forts with siblings and friends. He developed a love for the outdoors: hunting, fishing, skiing, and just being outside. He was an athlete in high school participating in track, football, and championship curling. However, his love for the outdoors was still his passion.

Jim was a graduate of Hibbing High School; studied Industrial Engineering and Production Operation Management earning a B.S. degree in Business Administration at North Dakota State University; MBA in Managerial Project Management and Statistical Analysis at the University of Mary; and Master Six Sigma, Green, Lean and Black Belt Master Process Improvement at Villanova University. He was also a certified OSHA instructor, certified personal trainer, earned his LADC degree; and was a certified diver. Chef Kleff gifted us all in sharing the art of his cooking skills, serving fabulous meals, and never using a recipe!

Jim was a man who liked to challenge himself in whatever he did and loved to build and design. He ran, biked, skied, and most passionately worked out. He was a fierce body building competitor earning both NPC and bench press awards. It was his challenge and his peace. He also met, mentored, and encouraged the people he shared the gym with. It was part of who he was.

Jim challenged himself as a project manager and planner but most recently was an account manager for Iracore adventuring a new career path. He liked the process that led to completion. His joy came from the people he worked with. He loved meeting new people and getting to know them. It didn’t matter what job they did; he had a good word, a listening ear, or that big smile for everyone he met. If there was a conversation with people, within a few minutes, the topic would turn to the loves of his life that he wanted to share with everyone: his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Beverly, who was his love and partner, in whatever adventure they chose for that day. They shared hunting and fishing where Jim would say she usually caught the biggest fish, skiing, biking and just being outdoors. The part of life they shared the most was the home on Swan Lake. Together they began to make a dream come true, creating a place for peace, family and sharing. Jim was very pleased with the accomplishments after completing and building all his home projects.

Jim is also survived by his son Evan. Evan was the light and pride of Jim’s life. They had many adventures together as Evan grew up, sharing and appreciating the outdoors. They began working out together in the gym and Jim would often comment that he was the “little guy” in the picture. One of Jim’s favorite topics was telling people about his son. They shared time at the lake together and with Evan’s friends enjoying the water, the home, and joking around the campfire. The cribbage board was busy!

Bentley, Jim’s ever present “Bubba,” can only be said that there was never a more devoted companion or a testament to the simplicity of life than, this man and his dog. Bentley passed shortly after Jim and continues to remain by his side.

Jim is survived by his wife, Beverly Jo (Boznak) Kleffman; son, Evan Kleffman; siblings: David A. (Judy)Kleffman, Gary Kleffman, Dennis Kleffman, Nancy (Joe) Roberts; Susan (Jeffrey) Anderson; nephews: Adam (Laura) Kleffman, Joseph Roberts, Kevin (Nicole) Kleffman, Brent (Laura) Kleffman, Chad (Rachel) Haupt, Scott (Angela) Kleffman, Randy (Krystal) Haupt; niece: Janelle (Trent) Janezich; and 16 amazingly precious great nieces and nephews.

A casual outdoor remembrance service will be held July 11, 2023 at 2 p.m. at 30507 E. Shore Drive, Pengilly, MN, followed by a Kleffman-style visitation reception across the street at the Lone Pine Hall, Pengilly, MN. We look forward to sharing the many blessings and stored treasures of memories we all have. Parking is available at Lone Pine Hall and adjacent lot.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" Michael Kleffman, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Visits: 5652

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree