James Allen Klein Sr. 83 passed away peacefully on Monday October 28, 2024 at Corewell Health Hospital in Taylor Michigan. He is predeceased in death by his parents Lawrence and Agnes Klein, his eldest son James Allen Klein Jr., his grandson William Allen Klein, his great grandson William Astro Klein, his father-in-law William Schuyler Sr. his brother-in-laws Jeffrey Bertram Schuyler (JB) and Russel Schuyler, his adopted brother Gerald Cleveland Sr., Edward Benton-Banai, Thurman Bear, Ted Left-hand and Big John Denon. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Deborah Klein, his children Charlene (Ramsey), Michelle, Adrian, and Jacqueline (Nate Sr.).  His grandchildren River, Tony, Sierra, CJ, Kiana, Adrian Jr., Mariah, Nate Jr., Olivia, Naiyana, James, Jerrick, Alex, Liliana and Jimmy III. He was also blessed with three great grandchildren Nii'o-Gaboo, Waawaatesi and Birdie. He will also be greatly missed by his brother and sister-in-laws, his many nieces, nephews and extended powwow family and especially his lifelong friend/brother John Durian.

James was also known as Jim/Jimmy he was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin March 20, 1941 and raised in Hartford Wisconsin. During his younger years, he was a talented high school athlete earning all American Honors in baseball and football. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was a private first-class rifleman and served one tour in Vietnam. He took pride in being labelled as a jar head and carried that warrior status in high regard "Semper Fi". After his years of service, he continued to advocate for the rights of his Native American relatives. He was a strong supporter of the American Indian Movement and participated at the 1973 occupation at Wounded Knee.

James was a champion men's fancy and traditional dancer. He travelled to many powwows throughout the Midwest, Great Lakes region and throughout Canada. This is where he met his wife, Deborah. They continued to travel and expand their family on the powwow trail. He was an avid master craftsman who took pride in creating regalia for his family and adopted relatives. He passed these skills and items he created too many people entering the powwow circle. His kindness and generosity continued over the years, welcoming friends and extended family into his home. His influence in the powwow circle was substantial and will be greatly missed by those lives he touched.

James always carried a strong work ethic and worked hard all his life to provide for his family. He was skilled in many areas of the trades. He aligned his many skills and became a Journeyman Elevator Mechanic. He worked for over 25 years for Detroit Elevator Company/ United Technologies

Otis Elevator. He was known for his specialty as an escalator mechanic in the elevator trade.

James had a passion for building and riding motorcycles. Over the years, he customized many bikes from paint to chrome to modifying the motor. He took pride in his 76 sportster and meticulously built and maintained his 79 Harley Davidson, low rider. He also enjoyed repairing and rebuilding old muscle cars. He shared many memories of his green convertible 1968 Plymouth GTX.

James took the most pride in travelling to powwows with his family spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also took great pride in several years of coaching, his sons basketball teams.

The family would like to extend their appreciation and thanks to the nurses and doctors at Corewell hospitals both the Dearborn and Taylor sites as well as the U of M Medical Center.

Pall Bearers

Nate Harris Sr

Brian Moore

Gabe Cleveland

Wayne Cleland

Walker Stonefish

River White

Tony Klein

CJ Lasley

Adrian Klein Jr

Honorary Pall Bearers

Myron Pywasit

Ramsey White

Nate Harris Jr

Carl Smith

Chris King

Josh Schuyler

Misheen Shawanda

Wesley Cleland

John Durnian

Dennis Whiteye

Frank Shipman

George Martin

Darrell Hill

Mike O'Reilly

Little man Quintero

Kenny Funmaker Jr

Thurman Bluejack Bear