Alex James Kleiman

Alex James Kleiman, age 16, of Grants Pass, died September 10, 2017 at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center.

Alex was born June 6, 2001 in Medford, Oregon and grew up in Grants Pass. He had just begun his junior year at North Valley High School in Merlin. Alex loved all people, animals, and even the tiniest creatures and insects he encountered. He loved helping people even strangers. He was wise beyond his years and touched the lives of everyone he met. His teacher at North Valley said of him, “He’s like a wise old man who can’t do math.”

Alex loved to swim, read, and build things with Legos.

Survivors include his mother Joy Howard of San Francisco; his father Bryan French of Cave Junction; his brother, Jacob Howard of Grants Pass; aunts and uncles Micheal & Danielle Pizzolotto and Rebecca & Justin Walsh and Cynthia LaRue; his adoring grandmother Sandra Vondy O’Neal; and paternal grandparents, Jana Fincher and Arman Smith..

He was preceded in death by grandfather Alan Kleiman; and great-grandmother Ruth Kleiman.

A viewing will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2017 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors, 612 NW A Street, Grants Pass.

A celebration of life will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Pursuit Church of the Nazarene, 922 W Harbeck Road, Grants Pass. A light lunch will be provided and all are invited to attend.

The family would like to express gratitude to the YMCA lifeguards, EMT first responders, and Asante Three Rivers Medical Center for their valiant efforts. Alex’s family also extends appreciation to the YMCA staff and community for their generous support.