Dr. James Allen Kleeman, 85, of Woodbridge, Conn., formerly of Chilmark, died March 30 after a long, courageous battle with multiple illnesses over the past 10 years.

His tenacious approach to life and the love of his patients, family and friends allowed him to maintain a vibrant lifestyle and a busy psychiatric practice up until his last few days of life.

Jim was born on Feb. 22, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in Springfield, Ohio, before leaving for the Taft School, in Watertown, Conn., from which he graduated in 1940 with one of the highest grade point averages in the school's history.

He resided in Connecticut the rest of life, first in New Haven, then in Bethany, and finally, in Woodbridge. He attended Yale University and Yale Medical School, completing both programs in six years, and graduating with multiple honors. 

Jim began medical school at Yale with the intention of becoming a pediatrician, but the U.S. Army had other ideas, making him a psychiatrist "by an Act of Congress." He spent his Army years in Hawaii. Upon returning to New Haven, he completed his training in psychiatry and psychoanalysis before beginning a long and distinguished career in private practice. In addition, he was an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Yale.

Jim was a member of many professional organizations both local and national, including the Western New England Psychoanalytic Society, where he was on the faculty. He wrote many papers on early child development.

Jim shared his zest for life with his family to which he was completely devoted. He was an avid golfer, a sport that he learned from his mother while growing up in Springfield and which he enjoyed pursuing as a member of the Woodbridge Country Club. He was also a master fly fisherman, relying on skills he learned from his father, a renowned outdoorsman. 

Jim has been coming to the Vineyard and has owned property in West Tisbury, Chilmark and Gay Head, for more than 40 years. The Island has always been a special place for him. The natural beauty and peacefulness of the Island have provided a sanctuary for him and for his family. It has been a meeting place for the family in both joyful times and sad. On April 1, his request to be buried on the Island, next to his late wife Joan, was fulfilled. His current wife Micki will someday join him there as well.

In addition to Micki, Jim is survived by his five sons, one daughter, two stepsons, their spouses, 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was loved and admired by all those who knew him.