Mr. Kleinschmidt was born January 25, 1943, in Ramsey County, Minnesota, to the late Henry F. Kleinschmidt and Cleone Gulsvig Kleinschmidt. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Kleinschmidt; his brother, Allan Kleinschmidt.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved his dog, Lucy.

Mr. Kleinschmidt loved fishing and playing golf and he was a huge Minnesota Vikings fan.

He loved and appreciated everyone at Timber Creek.

He served 27 years in the United States Air Force where he served in Vietnam. He was affectionately known as Chief K.

Mr. Kleinschmidt is survived by his children, Mark Kleinschmidt and his partner Matt DeBellis and Michelle Kleinschmidt-Hoover both of Chapel Hill; his granddaughter, Asia-Marie Terrell; his brother Jeffrey Bonniwell; his sister, Karen Brown, his cousin, Dave and Judy Knutson all of St. Paul, MN; his companion and caregiver, Sarah Hux; and his dog Lucy.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 16, 2018, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Brian Benton officiating.

Immediately following the service, the family invites all who are able to join them for refreshments in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of James to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 300 Mosby Ave., Littleton, NC 27850.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.