James Klar

James was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1940, to Robert and Louise Klar. The family owned a dairy farm where James learned how to take care of both livestock and the land. He graduated from MacArthur High School in 1959. In high school, James worked at Krueger Body Shop. After graduation, he worked at Schrivener's Hardware Store.

In 1960, James started working as a Lineman in the oils fields. He quickly learned the electrical trade, and became a Journeyman Electrician, then a Construction Site Superintendent on many commercial projects in San Antonio and in surrounding cities for both Lloyd Electric Company and ADCO Electrical Corporation. James worked all over Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. He installed highway lights, underground lighting at airports, wired water treatment plants, worked at various military bases, and installed transformers, cables and electrical wiring in commercial office buildings all over central Texas.

In 1962, James met his sweetheart, Betty. They married in 1964 and went on to have 3 amazing daughters, 13 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. James and Betty were together for over 60 years. Through good times and bad, they always found time to laugh, love, and appreciate life.

Together with his wife, Betty, they established a ranch in 1978 and started raising cattle, sheep, and Angora goats. James and Betty had a customized hay business where they provided services cutting, raking, and bailing hay for small farms in Bulverde, New Braunfels, Boerne, Kendalia, and Bergheim.

James loved ranching and taught his grandkids the same skills he learned as a child. James shared and bonded over the love of ranching with his grandkids. James dearly loved his cows and called to check on them whenever he was out of town.

James was a brilliant inventor and builder. He could imagine any structure and build it. When faced with any problem he always found a solution whether it was tractors or boo-boos. He was a teacher at heart and no matter which child or grandchild he was with, he took the time to lovingly explain what he was doing. Before you knew what happened, he had taught you how to switch out a light socket, drive a tractor, or rebuild a shredder. James had a wonderful sense of humor. He often made clever play on words and had us laughing until our sides hurt. His kindness and generosity had no bounds and he never turned down anyone in need.

James spoke three languages. German was his first language, followed by English, which he learned in school, and he later taught himself Spanish. James knew the importance of knowledge and never stopped learning. He continued to take courses to maintain his electrician’s license and he and Betty often drove to Texas A&M to take Agriculture Extension courses related to their cattle business.

He was a faithful Catholic and a member of St. Joseph’s at Honey Creek. James was a Eucharistic Minister and joined the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association, Texas Farm Bureau, and served in the Air National Guard.

His father-in-law taught him to fly in the 1970's. He earned his pilot license and would take his wife and daughters for rides in his airplane. James loved children. He had a special place in his heart for all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always made time for them. Over the years he gave them countless pony and tractor rides. James will be remembered most for being a devoted and loving husband, father, papa, Opa, and friend. He will be dearly missed.

James is preceded in death by his parents Robert Klar and Louise (Fritz) Klar, his sister, Teresa Klabunde, and his great-grandson Rownan. He is survived by his wife Betty; his children Kathy (Steve) Bazany; Jeannie (Jon) Ollis; Cheryl Klar-Trim; his sister, Sister Agnes Klar; and his grandchildren: Dr. Krysta Ryals (Zack); Dylan; Becky Bazany: Rownan; Laura Sheppard (Chris); Alena Laudermilk (William); Jenna Bazany; Emma Bazany, Joey Bazany; Joshua Ollis (Sara): Able, August, and Archer; Jessica Ollis; Jaelyn and Noah; Justin Ollis (Holly): Julie Ollis; Dr. Amanda Klar-Pedigo (Justin); James Atticus; Matt Trim, and Sarah Trim.

VISITATIONTHURSDAY, JUNE 29, 20235:00 PM - 7:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

VIGIL/ROSARYTHURSDAY, JUNE 29, 20237:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

Funeral Services will be at the Old Chapel at St. Joseph's at Honey Creek at 10:00 AM on June 30, 2023. Interment to follow at the church cemetery. The reception will be held at Hope Church, 18850 Redland Road, San Antonio TX 78259.