James F. Klappenberger passed on peacefully, October 29 ^th 2018.  Jim was a lot of things to a lot of people and had memorable experiences with everyone he knew. He could relate to people of all different backgrounds because he was able to establish a sincere, common ground.  His sharp wit and quick commentary were rarely matched and always made him a critical part of a good, honest, fun conversation.  It never mattered what you were – former presidential cabinet member, engineer, groundskeeper, unemployed -- but who you were.  Jim was the type of person that made connections with others seem so easy.  Everyone that knew him will miss him more than words could adequately express.  His loss will be felt in homes across the area, as his profession as a house painter/remodeler/estimator/guy that could get anything done brought him into hundreds, if not thousands of homes.  He prided himself on establishing relationships with every one of his customers, and he treated them all like they were his family.  He has customers that go back 20+ years who not only loved the work he did for them, but more importantly, loved the person he was.

Family was the most important thing to Jim. He took immense pride in being the keeper of family memorabilia and knowing about the family history.  It was more than just something he did, it was something he was. Jim loved tradition.  Every winter he watched "It's a Wonderful Life" and helped decorate the tree while old fashioned Christmas music played throughout the house and knowing a tin of Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies was in it for him at the end.  He would stay up all night to watch/wait for the first snowfall of the year.  Jim was a unique son, brother, brother in law, nephew, uncle and friend to many -- as those who knew him would attest.  He reveled in his role as older brother and mentor.  Since his childhood, he blazed paths in many different directions.  It wasn't necessarily the best path, but the experience of that journey was there to guide me and others.  As his brother he taught me so much and always provided a counter balance if I swayed too far in any direction.

While he was never a "father," Jim would have been great one.  He loved, cared and was committed to the kids that came into his life and held on to those relationships as they got older.  He was proud of them, supported and loved them very much.  His wisdom about relationships and what really matters changed the lives of many he interacted with.  Having Jim on your side was a reassuring comfort.  When he believed in you, he would defend and support you unconditionally.  He understood people and was able to relate to anyone he chose beyond the level of a polite interaction.  The love for his nephews was beyond compare.  He loved bringing them doughnuts on Sundays, taking them to Ravens games, taking them to an arcade, asking them about school or watching them play sports.  He always cared and looked forward to guiding them through life's challenges and hearing about all their daily experiences.

Jim was always reading, learning, watching and listening and was a wealth of practical and impractical knowledge.  He used that information to establish intelligent, thoughtful and sometimes challenging conversations with others.  Jim wore his heart on his sleeve and there was never a question about what he thought or what he felt. He thoroughly enjoyed history, sports and music…as well as collecting the associated items from these passions.  Jim was always fascinated with the past -- whether it was his own families, early American history, or memorabilia discovered from a family he was working for that was headed for the trash.  He treasured the things that held memories – even if they weren't his own.  He was a well-informed, dedicated and unwavering fan of the Ravens and Orioles.  It all started with a 1971 pennant game at Memorial Stadium with his grandfather, whom he loved dearly and often spoke of.  Jim loved rock and roll and the feeling and power that can be found in certain songs.  As he always said, "everything is better with music".  He had a deep knowledge of that music and there are many songs I feel like bonded him and me partly because of the "B side" nature of those songs.  Of course, around the holidays he was into the Christmas classics.

Any one that interacted with him will have a story where he showed an act of kindness, show of support or understanding he gave them.  He never wanted too much for himself and never wanted to ask for help, preferring instead to help those he loved find happiness and success.  He lived to give to his family and friends.  Jim liked being an underdog and the challenges it created.  Whether it was winter tent camping, helping those without, or living in a minimalist fashion, he only cared about the experience and not to brag about an accomplishment.

There is no replacement for Jim and there will be no more chapters in his life, but he left an encyclopedia of experiences and interactions that will always be with those he loved.

Jim lived a very rich life full of unique experiences.  He had so many incredible acts of kindness with so many people.  He didn't take the easy road all the time because he just didn't want to.  From those experiences he was able to be the person he was and have the kinds of incredible and varied relationships that were common for Jim. He was proud of his accomplishments and relationships

Jim was a lifetime resident of Maryland, with the last 50 years in Anne Arundel County.  He is survived by his parents Fred Klappenberger (Carol); Fran Klappenberger; brothers David (Jean) and Mark (Peggy) & nephews Eric and Leo.  He is also survived by his aunts and uncle: Helen Wilson; Marilyn Klappenberger; and Irene and Robert Johnson as well as many other family and friends.

Please share any stories that you have in person or on paper at any time.

In lieu of flowers please do a random act of kindness such as opening a door for a stranger, tipping your server extra or giving to a local charity and letting them know it was from Jim.

A service will be held at Barranco and Sons in Severna Park from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Saturday December 1 ^st .  A short prayer will begin at 5:00 and afterwards there will be an opportunity for anyone to speak.  Immediately following the service, all are welcome to go to his brother David Klappenberger's for refreshments and conversation.  At 8:00 pm we will head to Shooter's Bar and Grill in Severna Park for a toast to Jim.  We hope you can join us for some or all of the evening.