James Barrie Kleen

Jim grew up in Salem, attended Highland Elementary, Parrish Jr. High, Salem High, Willamette University & OSU. He joined the Army in 1954, went through OCS and served in Korea. He and Judy Roudebush were married in June 1956. Jim graduated from OSC (Oregon State College in those days!) in 1958. They were blessed with two daughters, Marci & Shari.

Jim definitely a “people person,” he never met a stranger. His entire professional career was spent in the insurance industry. First with State Farm, then with the Colorado & Oregon Farm Bureaus before spending the last 19 years as Administrator of the Oregon Life & Health Guaranty Association. His job was his “hobby” and he helped many people along the way.

After his family, Jim loved rooting for the Oregon State Beavers. His favorite song (which he sang to all his grandbabies was: I’m a Beaver born, I’m a Beaver bred, and when I die I’ll be a Beaver dead—for its rah, rah, for OSC, rah, rah for OSC fight, fight, fight!) He was a member of St. Paul’s for 30 years and served as a Stephens Minister and Sr. Warden.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Glenn. He is survived by his wife; daughters, Marci Ward and her children Steve (Chandy) & Kellie (Brandon); Shari Conaway (Danny) and her children Austin, Jessi & Sara; and three beautiful great granddaughters.

Our family would like to thank the staff at the Salem Hospital and Dr. Elana Fedor and her staff, the Oncology Clinic, First Call Home Care and Willamette Valley Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Their efforts are most appreciated.

Services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Friday, December 5 at 1:00pm. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery. In lieu of Flowers please send memorial gifts to St. Paul’s Food Bank Fund.