Mr. Jeffrey A. “Jeff” Klinesmith, 67, a resident of the North End section of the city, passed into eternal life late Wednesday evening in the Celtic Healthcare Hospice inpatient unit at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre following a prolonged illness. Born Christmastime in 1951 on December 23, he was the son to the late Arthur and Vivian (Cron) Klinesmith. Educated in the city schools, he was a member of the 1969 graduating class of the James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.
Until illness caused his early retirement, Jeff was employed by the local #542 Operating Engineers in Wilkes-Barre as a surveyor’s assistant for several years. He previously served in the United States Air Force Reserves. In his spare time, and loving the outdoors, Jeff enjoyed the countless miles he spent walking and the several fishing trips he and family would make to Canada.
An avid history buff, he enjoyed war movies, old westerns and watching Antiques Road Show. He would collect antiques visiting various flea markets, and in his prime, was a reader of historical novels. He and his wife, the former JoAnn M. Dougher celebrated forty-six years of married life together on July 22, 2018.
He will be remembered for doing the best that he could in this life and appreciated those who realized that. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a nephew, Joseph Gerard Pugh in 2016. Left to cherish his memory in besides his beloved wife and caregiver JoAnn at home, are his children; Amy Kackenfels and her husband Eric; Joy Fuller and her husband Rocky and Jeffrey Klinesmith Jr. all of Wilkes-Barre; Grandsons, Donald Jr., Brandon and Logan; Sister, Gale Evans and her husband James of Wilkes-Barre; Mother-in-law, Mrs. Ann Dougher, North Wilkes-Barre; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Jeff’s family would like to gratefully acknowledge the professional compassionate care he received by his special caregivers, Lisa Debbie and Georgie for the past five years. Funeral services celebrating Jeff’s life will be conducted 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening at the North Wilkes-Barre location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 625 North Main Street. Interment will be private and at the convenience of his family.
Relatives and friends may join his family for visitation and remembrances Sunday evening at the funeral home from 5:00 until the time of services. In lieu of floral tributes, JoAnn and her family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary contribution in Jeff’s memory, kindly give consideration to the Alzheimer’s Association for research locally at 57 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association Online Web: www.
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