James C. Klein, age 79, of Nevada, Iowa, died at his home on Friday, December 4, 2015.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015, at the American Legion Hall in Nevada.  Private family burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery, Iowa Center, Iowa. 

Born August 2, 1936, in Winner, South Dakota, James Conrad Klein was the son of Ambrose and Gladys (Bower) Klein.  James received his GED while he served with the United States Army during the Korean War from 1953-57.

James was married to Valerie Olson on March 13, 1962. The couple was blessed with three children, James Andrew, Johnny, and Vicki.

James spent his life as a diesel mechanic and tried to work seven days a week if the family would allow it.  He enjoyed playing cribbage and spending time with his grandkids, and would do anything for anybody if he could.

Survivors include his wife, Valerie of Nevada; two children, Johnny (Terri) Klein of Nevada, and Vicki (Larry Dolph) Towle of Nevada; seven grandchildren, Nichole (Bruce) Crane, Michelle (Zac) Ose, Jason (Ashley) Klein, Tyler Klein, Seth (Heather) Bartmess, Kazbien (Heather) Bartmess, and Joshua Bartmess; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Leroy (Linda) Klein, and Alvin (Charlotte) Klein; and two sisters, Margaret (Harry) Capp, and Kathy (Stanley) Strum.

He was preceded in death by his son, James Andrew; a great-grandson, Andrew Bartmess; his parents; a brother, Robert Klein; and two brothers-in-law, Vail Olson and Marly Olson.