Thomas H. Klaas was born September 25, 1955 in Idaho to Harold and Mary Jane Klaas, the fifth of eight children. He graduated from Mount Angel Seminary High School in 1973 and earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Idaho in 1977.  Deacon Tom received his Certificate of Diaconal Ministry from College of Saint Elizabeth and was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on June 12, 2010.

Deacon Tom spent 26 years in wholesale food distribution before joining Aetna Inc., where he worked for 12 years managing a broker distribution channel for the Medicare Advantage product. 

Often known by his nickname, “TK,” Deacon Tom has been an active member of various ministries at Saint James. He has served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and a CCD teacher, and has also been involved with the Antioch program and Men of Saint James. Deacon Tom and his wife, Susan, have six children. He is a sports enthusiast and enjoys staying active.

To reach Deacon Tom, call the parish office at (908) 766-0888, ext. 234 or email him at deacontom@optonline.net

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