October 7, 1957 – September 13, 1992
James Klinesteker was a zookeeper at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids and a prominent leader in the city’s gay and lesbian community. After attending the 1987 March on Washington, he became one of the founders of The Network and as its president helped open its community center in 1991. He died from AIDS-related complications at age 35.
Michigan LGBTQ Remember 