Class News

Jim Klint ’64 remembered with his 49ers in the playoffs this year

Jim Klint's graduation photo

January 30, 2022

With his San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game today, we remember Jim Klint, our Yale classmate, teammate, and friend. His surviving spouse, Kris, is still engaged with our Class.

Jim had a distinguished medical career until his untimely death in 2003 (see his obituary). Jim was the 49ers team doctor from 1979 to 2002. He is the only Ivy Leaguer to have been awarded five Super Bowl rings.

Tony Lavely wrote: “I had the great pleasure of attending three Super Bowls and seeing Jim with a victory smile: XXIII in Miami in 1989, XXIV in New Orleans in 1990, and XXIX in Miami in 1995. Rest in peace, my brother. Alas, the 49ers didn’t make it to the Super Bowl this year.” [The Rams beat them 20-17 in the NFC championship game with a field goal in the last two minutes.]

Dan Pollack remembered: “Jim and his parents were the nicest, most hospitable people I have ever known. Jim, Bob Hannah, and Gary Hallenbeck lived down the hall from me junior and senior years in Morse College. Spring vacation of junior year, we stayed at Jim's home in Rockford, Illinois, before driving to the University of Wisconsin, Madison where his girlfriend and future wife Kris fixed us up with dates.”

Patrick Caviness emailed: “Jim was a caring and committed teammate on and off the field. When your head was hanging down or you were sidelined with an injury, Jim was there to encourage you, pick up your spirits. As the 49ers team doctor, Jim earned his five Super Bowl rings the same way — by taking care of his teammates.”