Jacob (J.M.) Klassen died Dec. 23, 2010. He was born Feb. 12, 1929 in Steinfeld, Ukraine to Jacob J. and Aganetha (Martens) Klassen. When J.M. was a year old, his family immigrated to Canada. In July 1947, he was baptized into Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. He began his 13-year teaching career at 16, and then served as Bethesda Hospital administrator in Steinbach, Man. J.M. married Katherine Thiessen July 2, 1950. They served with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Korea (1958–61) and Akron, Pa. (1961–63). J.M. became MCC Canada’s first executive secretary in 1964. He also served MCC 3 years as executive committee member, 8 years as Canadian executive director, and as Canadian executive director emeritus. J.M. related well with the inter-Mennonite network in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. He was a servant leader, a man of deep faith, a good friend, and an advocate for the poor and marginalized. Katherine died in March 1996, and J.M. married Betty (Klassen) Wiebe in May 1998. J.M. had a sense of humour and an inspiring commitment to the Anabaptist faith. He enjoyed singing in choirs and quartets. J.M. fostered community, service, and compassion. He published his life story, Jacob’s Journey in 2001. Predeceased by Katherine, 2 siblings in infancy; J.M. is mourned by Betty; daughters Martha (Harold Koslowsky), Lorna (Harry Froese); stepsons Alvin (Audrey) Wiebe, Raymond (Donna) Wiebe, Stanley (Sally) Wiebe; 5 grandchildren; 3 brothers. The memorial was at River East MB Church, Winnipeg.
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