James Peter Kleinegger

James Peter Kleinegger, 82, of Farmington, passed from this life early on Friday, May 20, 2011, at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington. Jim was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., the son of A.P. "Jack" Kleinegger and Golda Bell Rippey Kleinegger. Jim spent his childhood in Oklahoma City, working a paper route and doing odd jobs. Later, when he was a teenager, he loved racing sprint cars. Jim attended parochial school at St. Joseph's Catholic school from first to eighth grade. Later, he graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City. Jim graduated from Oklahoma A & M (now Oklahoma State University) with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Jim's wife, Betty, was friends with his sister, Patricia. Jim and Betty started dating in 1951. After dating 13 months, Jim and Betty were married in 1952. Jim worked for Lane Wells in Perry, Okla. When the oil and gas boom hit the San Juan Basin, Jim transferred with Lane Wells and was stationed in Farmington. Jim went to work for B. J. Services; B.J. Services sold the branch of P.G.A.C.; it was later sold to Dresser Industries in 1968. In 1968, Jim and Betty started Blue Jet Inc. Jim loved fishing and fished in the "river of life." He enjoyed getting involved in his community and doing community work. There are no words big enough to describe this "Gentle Giant." Jim's generosity and selflessness cannot be measured. After retirement, Jim and Betty spent time in Scottsdale, Ariz. Jim was on the board of directors of Waste-Not of Scottsdale Health Care. He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years. His church and his family were the most important things in life. He was kind in spirit, loyal and strong; his heart was full of love and forgiveness. He knew no strangers and accepted all. Our Jim would give you the shirt off his back and then the pants to go with it. A master of all trades, Jim had hands of gold; a hard worker and there was nothing he could not do. We will miss his slow, wide grin and peaceful presence. The world was a better place because of him. We'll see you on the other side. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, A.P, "Jack" Kleinegger and Golda Bell Rippey Kleinegger; sisters, Juanita and Patricia; and grandson, James Kleinegger III Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Betty Kleinegger; children, Jim Kleinegger Jr., Margie Kaye Seip and Danny Lynn Seip; grandsons, who Jim loved and adored, D. Michael Seip of Norman, Okla., and Raymond Kleinegger of Flora Vista. Also surviving is a sister, Florence Skewis of Houston, Texas, and many dear friends and colleagues. Cremation will take place. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. today, May 22, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 414 N. Allen Ave. in Farmington, led by Father Tim Farrell. The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 23, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Tim Farrell as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Jim's memory to Childhaven, 807 W. Apache St., Farmington, NM 87401, or the charity of your choice. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute St. Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688