Youth center volunteer laid to rest Published March 17, 2008 96 ABW Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- James "Jim" Kline, passed away March 12, in Fort Walton Beach. Mr. Kline was a well-known figure around Eglin. From 1975 until 1998, he was program director, then youth director, at the Eglin Air Force Base Youth Center. He retired in 1978 but continued to volunteer many hours at the Youth Center. He also volunteered many unselfish hours at the 96th Services functions and for the base exchange. "Whenever I think of Jim Kline, it always makes me smile. He was always trying to help, always trying to find ways to make something better and always being the first to volunteer," said Tony Jadin, current youth center director. "I think we were all blessed to have him in our lives; the Light of God shone through Jim every day." Mr. Kline was a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1951 to 1974. He was an outstanding fast-pitch softball pitcher, competing in more than 2,500 games and winning 90 percent of them. He was MVP in Europe in 1957 and was on three Florida State Championship teams in the early 1980s. A memorial service was held March 16. Donations can be made to Covenant Hospice, 101 Hart St., Niceville, Fla., 32578, in Mr. Kline's memory.