James Lee Kline

James Lee Kline, 91, of Dillsburg, PA, went to be with his Lord on April 30th, 2025, following a bravely fought battle with aging, illness, and a sudden injury.  After several days of silent conversations with his beloved daughter Vickie, he rejoined his dearly missed wife and soulmate Barbara -she took his hand and walked him home.  Jim’s bright blue eyes, constant smile, gentle kindness, offbeat  humor, and steadfast love and compassion will be deeply missed.

  Jim, known as Lee to his family, was born on April 30th, 1934 to Roy Minich Kline and Vivian Mae Shull Kline in the tiny town of Ickesburg.  He was the sixth of seven children.   Jim graduated from West Perry High School in 1953.   He then enlisted in the Army as a Specialist 3rd Class T and served stateside  1954-1956 during the Korean War.  After finishing his service, he used the G.I. Bill to attend Thompson Institute and obtained an Associates Degree in Accounting.  

  Jim met his high school sweetheart and love of his life Barbara Ann Shumaker while working as an usher at the Ickesburg Theater in 1950.   They married on February 11, 1956 at the Blain United Methodist Church.   Barb and Jim went on to have one daughter, Vickie in 1963.

  Over the years, Jim worked in a number of sales positions.  He spent most of his career as a sales associate for Peirce Phelps.   He travelled most of central PA coordinating appliance sales for dealers at small family-owned stores throughout the region.  

   Once retired, Jim had time to travel with his wife and daughter.  He patiently accompanied them to numerous museums and concerts.   He also loved visiting with his family.    He also was a faithful member of Calvary United Methodist Church of Dillsburg.    

   In  2018, his wife Barb began experiencing a series of health crises which left her confined to a wheelchair. He became her primary caregiver so they could remain together in their home until she died from cancer in 2023.  He finally moved to York in 2024 to be closer to his daughter Vickie.

  Jim was also predeceased by his parents and his five sisters, Vera Stauffer, Margaret Ricedorf, D. Jeanne Shields, Helen Kline, and Freda Dalious. 

  Jim is survived by his elder brother Paul Richard Kline, his grateful daughter, Vickie Lynn Kline, and his grandpup Chammy.  

  A memorial service for family and friends, and will be held at Cocklin Funeral Home,  30 N. Chestnut Street, Dillsburg, PA 17019, on May 9, 2023  at 10 AM with family visitation beginning at 9:30 AM.  A graveside service with immediate family will be held after.   

       In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741,  the American Heart Association,  7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 or the Pennsylvania SPCA, 350 East Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134.