From the grammar schools to the playgrounds, from the high school and college hardwood to the pros. Jim Klein has left his mark on hundreds of local basketball players throughout a durable coaching career.

Born in Utica in 1938, his love of the game dates back to his childhood. He began coaching while still a student at St Francis De Sales High School. At the age of 14, he felt confident enough to begin coaching boys at Our Lady of Lourdes grammar school In four years, he compiled a record of 280 wins, 14 losses, which included a l04-game consecutive win streak.

Klein spent one year at Manhattan College studying physical education, but returned home and enrolled at Utica College. As a two year member of the varsity basketball team, Klein earned the nickname, "Jumping Jim."

He was appointed varsity coach in 1965. By 1974, his Jugglers had earned a reputation as perennial. powers. He posted a 162-28 overall record, highlighted by 10 city championships, six Central Oneida League titles, four Diocesan A Division championships, plus a 48-game consecutive win streak.

In 1975, the energetic Klein was tapped to become the City of Utica's Director of Recreation, Parks and the Youth Bureau, and served a four-year term. In 1977, he tried his hand at something new, coaching and managing a Continental Basketball Association expansion team, the short-lived Utica Olympics.

With a year, he was back coaching in the high schools. He joined the physical education staff at John F. Kennedy High School in 1978, and served as boys' varsity basketball coach at Utica Free Academy in 1979. Within a 16-4 record that year, UFA finished in a tie with Notre Dame for the Central Oneida League championship.

From 1979 to 1981, Klein took a hiatus from coaching while teaching business at Thomas R. Proctor High School.

He seized another opportunity in 1981 when he became director of athletics and recreation at the newly-created SUNY Instititute of Technology at Utica Rome. Klein's job was to develop an intercollegiate men's and women's program from scratch. SUNY Tech now offers eight varsity sports and is a member of the ECAC, NCAA and SUNY Athletic Conference.

Klein wore two hats as men's basketball coach and athletic director from 1982 to 1993. Although he resigned his coaching duties, he remains director of the overall sports program.

Since 1966, he has also been employed as a mutual clerk/supervisor at Vernon Downs Raceway.