James (Jim) N. Kline, 74, a 45-year resident of Annapolis, died Saturday, January 22 after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his family at his home.

He was born Nov. 9, 1936 to Harry L. Kline and Geneva (Dodge) Kline of Martins-burg, W.Va. Jim served in the U.S. Navy. He married Betty J. Cook in 1958. He and Betty moved to Maryland where they raised four children. He retired from Safeway as a meat cutter after 34 years, then drove a school bus for 11 years.

Jim loved the Annapolis area, especially fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. He was a Charter Member of the Broadneck Elks Lodge 2608 and a member of American Legion Post 175.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and son, James (Jay) N. Kline Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Shane Kline; two daughters, Cathy Baumgardner, and Terry Gonzalez; brother, Harry Kline Jr.; sister, Barbara; stepmother, Viola Kline; three grandchildren, Justin, DJ, and Shannon; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 29 at Barranco & Sons, P.A., 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake Philanthropy Department, 445 Defense Highway Annapolis, MD 21401 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com

***As published in the Capital Newspaper on January 25, 2011.