James F “Jim” Klizas

Jim Klizas, beloved husband, father, and grandfather from Chantilly, VA, passed away in Adler Center, Aldie, on July 26, 2024 at the age of 78. Jim was an amazing person who never met a stranger, remembered everyone he had ever met, and made everyone feel like an old friend.

Born on August 29, 1945 in Irvington, New Jersey, he was the son of Albert and Margaret Klizas. He was a graduate of Watchung Hills Regional High School, University of Pittsburgh in engineering, and the MBA program at University of Chicago. He was commissioned in the Navy after completing Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL. Upon completing flight training he was assigned to NAS Cubi Point in the Philippines during the Vietnam War, where he proudly served his country and made many life-long friends. After his tour of duty, he returned to civilian life and Xerox Corporation. Jim retired from Xerox Corporation after a remarkable 40 years of service. In retirement Jim enjoyed playing golf, traveling, the Caps, spending time with his grandsons, and spending some of the winter months in Fort Myers, FL at the Parkside pool. Each year he would notify his friends on Facebook that he was in Fort Myers by posting a photo of his feet on a chaise with the pool in the background. He was in Fort Myers when he was diagnosed with cancer and returned to Chantilly.

For the past several years Jim volunteered as a greeter for Honor Flight arrivals and departures at Dulles. He looked forward to the spring and fall seasons every year and to greeting the veterans. A highlight of the past year was participating in the Top of Virginia Honor Flight this past April with his daughter Christine as his guardian.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra “Sandy”, his daughters Dr. Sarah West (Patrick) and Christine (Wesley Martin), his grandsons Kai, Orion, and Jasper West, and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his sister Susan Onufer, his brother Jonathan Klizas, his very close cousin Rosellen Frantz, and several other cousins.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Veronica Catholic Church 3460 Centreville Rd. Chantilly, VA 20151. A graveside service will be held at Culpeper National Cemetery 501 East Chandler St. Culpeper, VA on Thursday August 15, 2024 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Honor Flight Top of Virginia, Tunnel to Towers, or a charity of your choice.