James was born May 14, 1958 in David City, Nebraska to Kenneth Joseph Klein and Angela Rose (Pavel) Klein. He grew up in Nebraska and attended Southeast Community College in Nebraska and received a degree in Commercial Art and Advertising. He then move to Lincoln, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications with a focus in Advertising in December 1987.
Once James found his true calling, the Church, he attended the University of St. Thomas and on August 25, 1995 began seminar at St. Paul’s Ministry and was ordained June 29, 2001.
He then began his journey of serving the community in Colorado at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Parker, Divine Redeemer Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, St. Mark Catholic Church in Highlands Ranch, Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, Corpus Christi Catholic Parish in Colorado Springs, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, Our Lady of Victory Chapel in Limon, St. Anthony of Padua in Hugo and St. Mary's in Flagler.
Father James retired from his priesthood on July 20, 2024 for health reasons. He passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025 under the care of the sisters at Mt St. Francis Nursing Center.
He was 3rd in line of 5 boys, Dr. Gary Joseph Klein (Colorado Springs), John Joseph Klein (Colorado Springs), Dennis Joseph Klein (Sterling, CO), and Dale Joseph Klein (Highlands Ranch).
A rosary and vigil for James will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral, 22 W Kiowa St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. also at St. Mary's Cathedral. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expy, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.