Plan for the Future
James Belden Kling, beloved husband, devoted father, cherished friend, and volunteer in the Chatham community for over 50 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his own home on June 15, 2024. Jim was born in January of 1944 in Newark, NJ to the late Carl Kling and Genevieve Belden.
Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship and laughter that will continue to bring a smile to all who knew him. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Anne Marie (Whitehead) Kling of Chatham; his loving children, James E. Kling and wife Leigh Ann of Chesapeake, VA, Dawn Marie Sardini and husband Jay of Chatham; His 5 cherished grandsons, James Kling and wife Chelsea, Brian Sardini and wife Kristen, Connor Sardini, Tanner Kling & Drew Sardini; and his great grand-daughter Aila Sardini. He is also survived by his siblings, Carl Kling and wife Elaine, Jean Marie Banks and husband Keith, Kathy Newel and husband Eric, John Kling and wife Kathy; Brothers-in Law Fred Whitehead and wife Diane, Robert Whitehead and wife Kathy, many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends whose lives he touched in so many different ways.
Jim grew up in Maplewood and Chatham. He met the love of his life, Anne Marie, at age 16. He graduated High School from Saint Benedicts Prep in Newark. Jim and Anne Marie were engaged the following year and married 1 year later.
Jim began his career with the Morristown Fire Department in 1966. In 1970 he and two fellow firefighters received the Mayor’s Medal of Honor for saving a woman from a burning building. Jim was active with the FMBA serving as the president for local 43 for many years. He retired after 30 years of dedicated service.
In addition to being a professional firefighter, Jim worked a variety of jobs during his life from delivering pies, carpentry, special police officer, frame shop and maintenance for Pathmark Stores. He never sat still. Jim loved to bowl, golf, fish, camp, race and vacation with his family.
His second love and chosen family was the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department. He served as a Lieutenant and Captain of Engine Company 2 and volunteered uncountable hours as the House Committee Chair, Mutual Benefit, Firemen’s Relief Association, LRS Annual Golf Tournament and many other events.
Jim loved to visit and vacation with family and friends. From Trips to the Jersey Shore, to cruises with family and Fire Department friends, fishing trips to Martha’s Vinyard, bowling trips with the Knights of Columbus and trips to Rochester NY to visit with lifelong friends, Dave and Mary Ann Vaccaro whom they met on their honeymoon. Jim also travelled to many sporting events to watch his children and grand-children. He was an avid NY Yankees and NY Giants fan.
