James Henry Klena

James Klena left his temporary home unexpectedly on October 12, 2021 at Toledo Hospital, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born, James (aka. Jimmy/Jim/Hank/Uncle Jimmy) Henry Klena on October 2, 1948 at Mercy Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. Jim was the youngest of four kids and grew up in Rossford, Ohio. He attended Rossford High School and graduated in 1966. In high school, Jim was a part of the Bulldogs wrestling and track teams. After High School, Jim set his eyes on the beautiful Kathie Marilyn Shallo. Jim and Kathie were married on August 7, 1971 and spent 50 years living life together and raising ten children. His children’s lives were full of amazing and memorable moments with their dad, including family/devotional time, “special” times of going out to eat, the movies and going to parks. Jim highly valued having a family and taught them the importance of a strong work ethic, not taking life to seriously, vacations are highly important for the soul, fake it until you make it, and most importantly having a relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Jim attended the Toledo University and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi. Jim spent his life’s work as an electrical engineer, starting his own business in 1989 known as Maumee Valley Consulting and Engineering. Jim was reborn on December of 1974, when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, this changed the course of his life forever. Jim didn’t live according to the standards of this world, he didn’t store up treasures here on earth, but stored up treasures in heaven. Jim was devoted and faithful to his family and to his convictions. He stood strong for the things he believed in, even until the very end, because it was right within his spirit. Jim never looked the other way when passing someone in need, he always extended his hands out, even when there was nothing left to give, he found a way to help. He was passionate about his family, looked for every opportunity to tell others about the love and salvation from Jesus Christ, and loved talking about End Times Prophecy. Jim (along with Kathie) spent almost four decades serving and volunteering for Toledo Christian Schools, where all ten of his children attended. Jim believed in the mission of the school and did all he could to help raise donations to support them. He is most famously known for his leadership of the TC Bike-a-thon for 37 years at Ottawa Park in Toledo. His antics through the TC halls raising money often included dressing in character to promote the event and get the students enthusiastic about the cause. Jim would want you to know that Jesus is coming back very soon and nothing in life is more important than giving your life over to Christ as your savior. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 - 18. Jim entered eternity ahead of his loving wife, Kathleen Marilyn Klena, and his ten children; Rose Hadeed (Dave), Brandy Johnson (Jeff), Joshua Klena, Jerusha Gioiella (Joseph), Amanda Stieg (Nathan), Hannah Miller (Jason), Esther Clayton (Tim), Jared Klena, Micah Klena, and Jahath Klena. Jim (aka Bapa) has also left an amazing legacy for his 16 grandchildren; Maddie Nichols (Jadon), Luke Hadeed (Madelyn), Zach Hadeed, Ava Hadeed, Lydia Gioiella, Breena Gioiella, Mason Gioiella, Samson Stieg, Emma Stieg, Benjamin Stieg, Landon Miller, Flynn Miller, (coming soon) Baby Miller, Connor Clayton, Alayna Clayton, and Leila Clayton. Jim leaves behind many extended family members as well. Friends and family can visit the family at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., Toledo from 3pm to 8pm on Sunday, October 17, followed by a Celebration of Life at Westgate Chapel Church on Monday, October 18 at 11am. Burial service to follow at Toledo Memorial. Flowers are welcomed by the family and donations can be made to Toledo Christian Schools or to Jim’s wife Kathleen Klena. Dad, we can’t wait to hear the trumpets sound some day and we will see you in the clouds! - Love your family! “Always remember money is only a way to keep score.” - Jim Klena