James Carl Klinnert passed away on July 21, 2026, at Garden B (Mercy Hospice House). He was 89 years old.

James (Jim) was born May 1,1937 in Otter Tail County, Minnesota to Carl and Dorothy (Rian) Klinnert. He was the oldest son in a family of 3 boys and 3 girls. Jim was raised on the family farm, then moved to Marshall Minnesota to live with his older sister after her husband was killed in an accident. While there, he began working in construction and later moved to Durango, Colorado in the 1970’s to work in construction, hunt elk and ski.

Jim married Carolyn Mead in Durango on September 21,1980 and they started a small farm where they raised a flock of wool sheep for spinning and weaving. He expanded his woodworking skills by making weaving looms and tools and worked for several cabinet shops in town. Upon retirement, he developed an interest in stock dog training with his wife, and he was quite fond of his Australian Shepherds, Missy, Rosie and Bess.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Rita Tople and Camilla Rocholl, brothers-in-law Dean Tople and Ervin Rocholl and nephews Wade Klinnert and Brian Thom. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, brothers Jerome (Henrietta) Klinnert and Butch (Diane) Klinnert, sister Verona Thom and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 30 at 9:00 am at St. Columba Catholic Church, 1800 East Second Avenue, Durango, CO. Burial to follow at Hermosa Cemetery.