James Elmer Klapmeier died peacefully at his home in Metairie, La. and entered the eternal sanctuary on Saturday January 1, 2022 at the age of 90.  He is survived by his son, Steve, a brother Larry, sister-in-law Carol, and three nephews.  Jim also leaves behind his adopted families in Hawaii and in Metairie Louisiana where he was permanently domiciled and cared for over the last 16 months.  Born in Barron Wisconsin to the late Elmer Klapmeier and Myrtle Fjelstad, Jim married his longtime love, the late Julie Hillman and they lived in Mora Minnesota.  Gifted with a keen intellect Jim earned his master's degree from MIT which led to a successful engineering career and the creation of Boatel Catamarans and eventually his beloved Bluewater Yachts.  Jim delighted in the outdoors as an avid hunter, boater, and airplane pilot.  He loved people and captivated everyone with his colorful stories even boasting that he crashed his airplanes four times.   Jim reflected a deeply spiritual side and responding to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, he eventually received the sacrament of confirmation in the Catholic Church and he attended weekly Mass, a monthly prayer meeting, and other faith events.  Jim enjoyed socializing with new friends, keeping in shape with a personal trainer as well as attending exercise classes with the ladies at Church.  Jim's mantra was "I did it my way" and he carried that out to the very end.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday January 22, 2022 at 12 noon at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 444 Metairie Rd.    Metairie, Louisiana 70005.    A Private Interment will be on Monday, January 24, 2022 in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Jim's name to Comunita Cenacolo America 9485 Regency Square Blvd., Ste 110, Jacksonville Fl. 32225 (Hopereborn.org) or www.Fransiscanworks.org/donate.