James Klinkner

James Michael Klinkner, 59, of Sherwood, went to be with Jesus Christ Our Lord and Saviour on Saturday, July 26, 2008. Jim was born July 24, 1949, the first-born son of Jerome and Delories Klinkner of Two Rivers, WI. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Sharon (Duveneck) Klinkner, and his two daughters, Jillian (Darnell) Walker of Jacksonville and Amanda of Sherwood. Jim was blessed with a granddaughter, Laila Marie Walker, on May 29, 2008 and she was "Grandpa Jim's" little "Too toot" and the light of his life during the 8 weeks preceding his death. Jim is also survived by siblings Richard (Nancy) Klinkner of Two Rivers, WI, Jean (John) Jackson of Brookfield, WI, and Debra (Anthony) Kissel of Spring, TX and all of their families.
Jim served in the US Navy on the USS John F. Kennedy during the Vietnam Era from 1967-1972. He received a heart transplant in November of 2002 and fought a hard fight for the past 5 ½ years. He was so strong and had a very strong will to live. His strength and wisdom had touched so many lives and that will always be remembered by those who knew him. He was such a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His strength will live on in those whose lives he touched.
Jim's most recent illness and death was sudden and he was surrounded by his friends, family, and those whose lives he touched. His mind was so strong, but his body was tired from all of the past fights he had fought, and this final fight was not meant to be won. He is now at peace and his body is free of pain and suffering.
The family would like to extend a special "thank you" to Dr. Eugene Smith and Janet Earls, RN, both of John L. McClellan Veteran's Memorial Hospital. The care they provided Jim and his family over the years will never be forgotten and they both have a special place in all of our hearts. Also, a big "thank you" from "Jimbo" and Sharon to Christopher Ponder (and friends) and Cheryl Martindale for being there from the moment he received his heart transplant until the end and for always being able to lift our spirits when the chips were down.
Visitation will be from 6 to 9 PM Wednesday, July 30th. Celebration of Life Service will be at 10 AM Thursday, July 31st, in the Huson Funeral Home Chapel, 7700 Highway 107 in Sherwood with committal service following at 12 Noon at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Jim's family requests that attire be casual for his service.
Arrangements by Huson Funeral Home, 7700 Highway 107, Sherwood, AR. On line guest book at www.husonfuneralhome.com .