James Peter Klapps

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, James Peter Klapps (Jim) passed away on May 2, 2025. Born June 28, 1941 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Jim was the first of two children of Joseph James Klapps and Dorothy Klapps, née Glomb. Jim was predeceased in 2021 by his cherished wife of 49 years, Lucy Klapps (Lucie), née Ford as well as his mother and father, sister Jean Klapps, and stepfather Edwin Jarman.

Jim was a 1968 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin School of Law and was a practicing attorney for more than five decades. He started his career in the federal government in 1968 and served as a trial attorney at the Department of Justice Civil Division from 1970 to 1983 before moving to private practice. Jim loved the law and will be remembered for his formidable intellect and great generosity to his clients, family, and friends. He embodied his profession’s ethos of serving as counselor to those who needed his help. As one friend said, he was like a giant oak tree.

Jim was a voracious reader on diverse topics. A lifelong learner, he loved to share knowledge with friends and family, often by mailing articles accompanied by short letters written on a typewriter. Jim loved to travel with Lucie and especially to the ‘Paris apartment’ each spring and fall along with family and friends who visited their pied-à-terre. Jim loved to cook, particularly on the barbeque, and share a glass of wine with friends and family accompanied by his jovial storytelling.

Jim is survived by his daughter Jeanne, son James, daughter-in-law Amanda, and grandchildren Katelin, Natalie, and Austin. A graveside memorial service and inurnment will take place on May 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Ivy Hill Cemetery at 2823 King Street, Alexandria, VA. A reception will follow immediately in Alexandria with details to be provided later.