James Kilgo Kluttz

James “Jim” Kilgo Kluttz, 84, of Frederick, MD, passed away on March 4, 2026. Born on June 4, 1941, in Albemarle, NC, Jim was the son of Elizabeth “Betty” West Kluttz and Joseph Ransom Kluttz Sr. He graduated from Albemarle High School in 1959 and got his start working at the local radio station, WABZ.

Jim attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning his degree in Business Administration in 1963 while competing for the wrestling team. He was the epitome of a proud Tar Heel. He never missed a UNC basketball game and almost always wore Carolina blue, which complemented his eyes.

In 1964, he earned his Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from George Washington University and went on to complete his residency at Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown, MD. In 1966, he began his professional career as a First Lieutenant at the U.S. Air Force Regional Hospital at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, TX, during the Vietnam War.

There he met his wife, Faye, who was an Air Force nurse. She saw him in the cafeteria, out of uniform, and walked right up to ask what he was doing there. That moment began their lifetime together. Jim and Faye married two years later at First Methodist Church in Fort Worth.

The couple settled in Southern Pines, NC, shortly after when Jim became an Associate Administrator at Moore Regional Hospital. In 1980, their family of four packed up and moved to Frederick, MD, where he would spend the next 25 years as President and CEO of Frederick Memorial Hospital (now Frederick Health).

Above all, Jim will be remembered for his integrity, character, and leadership. Giving back was at his core. His commitment to service began early, as an Eagle Scout, and continued throughout his life. In 1998, he was honored with the National Capital Area Council of Frederick County’s Distinguished Citizen Award for his contributions. He was deeply involved as a member of the Community Foundation of Frederick County, the Rotary Club, Club 18, and was a co-founder of Thomas Johnson Youth Soccer (TJAY). He served in numerous roles for the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) and received the MHA Distinguished Service Award. Jim also served as a delegate from Maryland for the American Hospital Association (AHA) and was on their Executive Board. In retirement, he also served as President of the Board of Homewood and Chair of the Homewood Foundation.

Jim was everything you would want in a husband, father, Papa, and friend. He was humble, modest, and a true gentleman. He was a man of few words at times, but an incredible listener. When he spoke, his words were thoughtful, sharp, and witty. He found joy in simple things: fishing with his hospital admin group, working on puzzles, gardening, and tending to his birdfeeders.

He loved to travel and approached it with the same care he brought to everything. He planned every trip himself, from Europe to Africa, Canada, Mexico, and nearly all 50 states. His favorite trips, however, were the annual Kluttz family vacations to the Outer Banks, where his love for the beach and the ocean was evident, and some of his happiest memories were made. After retirement, Jim and Faye spent the winter months at New Smyrna Beach, FL, enjoying the warm weather, great meals, and time together.

Family was everything to Jim. He drafted detailed records of his childhood and took a deep interest in his ancestry. Jim was not one to talk about himself, but when he did, it was about his children and grandchildren, of whom he was incredibly proud. He made it a priority to be present, rarely missing a sporting or special event for his children and grandchildren. They will carry Jim with them in everything they do, honoring his legacy through how they live, the example he set, and the values he instilled.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Faye Kluttz; his children: Kristen (Joe) Pinto and Jeff (Tara) Kluttz; and his eight grandchildren: Abigail, Joseph, and Andrew Pinto; Elaina, Lauren, Elizabeth, Alexandra, and Olivia Kluttz; all of Frederick, MD.

In addition, he is survived by his sisters-in-law, Rita Dovre of Minneota, MN and Martha Chapman of Cary, NC; his nieces and nephews: Joe Kluttz III (Lisa) of Huntersville, NC; Neil Kluttz (Michele) of Matthews, NC; Sara Dovre Wudali (Mahadev) of St. Paul, MN; David Dovre (Paula) of Minneota, MN; Dorothy Cowan (Jay) of Cary, NC; Judson Cowan (Blair) of Edinburg, Scotland, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph Ransom Kluttz Jr.; his parents-in-law, Rudolph and Fern Willgohs; and brother-in-law, Allan Dovre.

Arrangements are being handled by Stauffer Funeral Homes, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Homewood Living Frederick Benevolent Care Fund, c/o the Homewood Living Foundation, 16107 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, MD 21795, or to Frederick Health Hospital, P.O. Box 718, Frederick, MD 21705.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.