Mr. Klosterman was charged with love, devotion, generosity, kindness, and faith. He will be held eternally by those he loved who were previously remanded into Heavenly custody. He joins the love of his life, Shirley June (Senft) Klosterman, son James Klosterman II, granddaughter Rebekah Ann Klosterman, and stepson Richard William Smith.
James was born December 30, 1931 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Lawrence Frederick Klosterman and Mary Evelyn McAleer. As a young man, he joined the Merchant Marines, where he learned to love life on the seas. He would go on to work for Bendix and Goodyear Aerospace before fulfilling his dream of becoming a peace officer. He was a reserve officer for the Tempe Police Department before serving for Arizona State University Department of Public Safety until he retired.
He married Shirley, his beloved wife, in 1959, and together they raised eleven children. Jim enjoyed woodworking, travel, reading, crosswords, and fishing. An avid guitar player and singer, he often performed the song "I'll Be Loving You Always" for Shirley.
Still pending charges are his children, Patricia Yard of Mesa, AZ, Elizabeth Smith of York, PA, Robert Smith (Josie) of Chandler, AZ, Steven Smith (Jennie) of Tempe, AZ, Mary Freeman (Fred) of Gilbert, AZ, Frederick Klosterman (Shelley) of Chandler, AZ, Thomas Klosterman (Bonnie) of Fairfield, CA, John Klosterman (Linda) of Mesa, AZ, and Michele Jackson of Tempe, AZ, 23 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, brother John Klosterman of Florida, and sister Jacqueline Giampietro Chiavarone of New Jersey.
Due to current restrictions on gatherings, no in-person services are currently scheduled. A mass will be held in his name by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic church on October 28th at 6:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Boys and Girls Club or the charity of your choice in honor of James J. Klosterman.
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