March 22, 1948 - May 08, 2007

Exuberance for life and adventure

James A. Klima, died peacefully May 8, 2007 in Seattle, Washington. Jim was born in Iowa on March 22, 1948. His love of travel, outdoor sports and writing was how he lived his life, which he shared with his partner, wife and travel companion Susan M. Bott for nineteen years. Jim and Sue started their journey of life and marriage together, as they trekked to Katmandu, Nepal to exchange wedding vows, on March 22, 1988 Jim’s 40th birthday. While a technical writer by profession, Jim’s passion for writing was evident as you read stories and reflections on his life and travels with Sue at his website: http://www.jetcityjimbo.net

Living in Seattle for the past seventeen years, Jim is survived by his cherished wife Susan M. Bott, brother Jerry Klima of New York, sister Judy Touney of Iowa and many dear friends and family. Jim was preceded in death by his sister Carol Church of Seattle in 1972, his father, Bernard, and mother, June Klima. He will be remembered for his exuberance for life, adventure, travel and sense of humor and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The Celebration of Life gathering for Jim Klima took place Saturday June 9th in the community room of Jim and Sue's condo in downtown Seattle. Many friends gathered for a time to remember this very special, caring and unique individual. Through photos boards of travels and adventures, a time line of Jim's life where guests could note when Jim came into their life, to the display of colorful wacky hats that Jim had knitted and was well known for, this day was all about Jim. In the words of a dear friend Tom, "Jim would have liked this gathering for two reasons, one because we are all together sharing stories and two because the stories are all about him!" Many heard the tribute read by a dear friend Carol and asked for a copy of her words. Carol and Sue have agreed it would be good to share this with all of you who knew Jim. Please see Carol's tribute to Jim Klima, attached below.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

A Celebration of Life potluck gathering will be held Saturday June 9th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Royal Manor Condominiums, 4th floor Community Center, 1120 8th Avenue in Seattle, WA 98101. Please bring an hors d'oeuvre or appetizer to share.

Afternoon program will include informal gathering starting at 1:00 pm. A "Memory Room" will be available throughout the gathering for those who would like a quiet space to light a candle and remember Jim in Sue and Jim's condo on the 5th floor. At 3:30 there will be a "formal - as formal as Jim would allow" gathering time to hear tributes and stories from friends and family. The gathering will conclude at 5:00 pm.

DONATIONS

Memorial contributions may be sent to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607.