JAMES PETER 'JIM' KLELES

March 1, 1944 — May 11, 2021
James Peter Kleles, affectionately known as Jim, passed away at the age of 77 on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at his home in Patterson. He was born in Dover, Delaware on March 1, 1944, one of eight children born to Harkules and Mildred Kleles.
Jim was a veteran of the United States Navy. Many will remember Jim from his many years when he managed the Sonic Drive-Ins in Franklin and Patterson. After retiring he could often be found enjoying a good movie, watching Family Feud, or just simply relaxing at home, where he was truly his happiest. He was a family man through and through and enjoyed the simple things in life, like time spent with his loving family.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife of nearly 57 years, Patricia “Pat” Brown Kleles; his three children, Lisa Kleles Martin and her husband Michael Martin of New Salisbury, Indiana, Victoria Kleles of Patterson, and James Peter Kleles Jr. “JJ” and his wife Lori Vaccarella Kleles of Bayou Vista; six grandchildren, Derek Kleles, Brooke Kleles Carline, Sarah Martin, John Martin, Joseph Terry, and Bronson Kleles (Jim’s “right-hand man” who took such great care of him); six great-grandchildren, Aubrey Kleles, Benjamin Carline, Parker Carline, Elijah Martin, Isa Kleles, and Gabrielle Carline; his siblings, Harkules “Tom” Kleles of Tarpon Springs, FL, Betty K. Scott of Woodinville, WA, Charles Kleles and his wife Joan of Dover, DE, Anna K. Pizzi and her husband Albert “Al” of Dover, DE, and Patricia “Viola” K. Hemphill of Milford, DE; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harkules Kleles and Mildred Foxx Kleles; his grandson, Christopher Martin; his brother and sister-in-law, Themes and Evelyn Kleles; his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Irwin “Mickey” Little; sister-in-law, Lillian “Sue” Kleles; and brother-in-law, William Hemphill.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson. The family asks that visiting hours be observed from 12:00 p.m. until service time. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Patterson. Rev. Steven Kelly will conduct the services. Serving as pallbearers will be James Peter Kleles Jr. “JJ”, Derek Kleles, Joseph Terry, Michael Martin, Brennan Carline, John Martin, and Bronson Kleles.
Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.