We bid farewell to a great man on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Retired Major General James Richard Klugh passed peacefully at 94, leaving a legacy of service, leadership, and devotion to God, country, and family.
James Richard Klugh was born on June 22, 1931, in Greenwood, South Carolina, the seventh of ten children of the late George Washington and Annie Ellen Klugh. From an early age, James was known for his strong character, calm presence, and kind spirit.
James began his military service as an Infantry officer, completing both the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses. Between 1953 and 1960, he held a series of command and staff positions, including assignments with the 516th Airborne Infantry, the 7th Infantry Division, and the 1st Infantry Division, as well as command of Company D, 16th Battalion, 4th Training Brigade, Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
His final military position was Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics, the senior logistics policy and management role in the Department of Defense. After 36 years of distinguished service, Major General Klugh retired in 1990, having served in three branches of the Army—infantry, Chemical, and Ordnance—with a record of excellence few could equal
He was inducted into the South Carolina State University Hall of Fame and the U.S. Army Chemical Corps Hall of Fame, and he is listed in Who’s Who in America.
Following his retirement, General Klugh continued his service to the nation. He was selected as the first retired general officer to serve on President Bill Clinton’s Transition Team and later as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Personnel, where he helped staff key positions across the Department of Defense.
Before entering full retirement, he applied his leadership and engineering expertise in the private sector as Executive Vice President of Executive Security & Engineering Technologies, Inc. (ESET, Inc.).
In 1977, James married Theresa J. Minnis of Pratt, Kansas, his devoted partner of 55 years. Together, they raised three children—Jerome, Denise, and James Jr.—and shared a life of travel, faith, and community involvement, particularly through their church, Independent Missionary Baptist.
General Klugh is survived by his loving wife, Theresa J. Minnis Klugh; children Jerome, Denise, and James Jr.; brothers Andrew P. Klugh of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Olin Klugh (Vernell) of Greenwood, South Carolina; and brother-in-law Clarence Felder of Leavenworth, Kansas. General Klugh was especially proud of his host of nieces and nephews, especially his kindred spirit: niece, Elizabeth “Betty” Williams (Harry) of Towson, Maryland. He will be dearly missed by his strong circle of friends who loved and adored him.
General Klugh was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, a dedicated member of The Leavenworth Noon Lions, and a past president of The ROCKS, Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting African American Army officers.
Major General Klugh’s life was a testament to faith, honor, service, and love of family. His legacy will live on, as he will be remembered as a soldier’s soldier, a gentleman of deep faith, and a leader whose wisdom, courage, and kindness touched countless lives.
Funeral services will be on September 18, 2025 at Independent Missionary Baptist Church, Visitation, 10:00 AM, Alpha Phi Alpha Service 10:45 Am, Funeral Service 11:00 AM Services will be live on Facebook.
