Obituaries

James "Jim" Knecht, 78, of Shelbyville

James “Jim” Knecht, 78, of Shelbyville passed away Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Walker Place Assisted Living Community, Shelbyville.

 

He was born January 7, 1942 in Franklin County, Indiana, the son of Albert and Augusta (Schwegman) Knecht.

 

He married Mary Nickol on November 5, 1966, and she survives.

 

Other survivors include his sons Steve Knecht, wife Sandy of Milan; Eric Knecht of Shelbyville and daughter Melissa (Knecht) Werst and husband Eric of Shelbyville; grandchildren Cole Knecht, Ellie Knecht, Molly Knecht and James Werst; brothers Don Knecht, wife Birdie of Brookville, Al Knecht, wife Ruth of Greensburg, Marvin Knecht of Texas, Bruce Knecht, wife Edna of Shelbyville, Dick Knecht, wife Martha of Greenfield, and sisters Delores Enneking of Oldenburg, Marilyn Lanning, husband Kenneth of Brookville, and Carol Reed, husband Don Horning, of Batesville and a very special sister-in-law, Laura Nickol, of Cincinnati.

 

He was preceeded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law Winifred and Rudolph Nickol; brother Delmar Knecht, and sisters-in-law Janet Knecht and Norrita Knecht.

 

Jim was a proud alumnus of Milroy High School, where he graduated as president of his class. He attended a 2-year business college in Cincinnati, while flipping burgers at a nearby McDonald’s. He enjoyed playing baseball in the Tri-County league, and found time to play his cornet in a band with friends.

 

He planted his family in Shelbyville where he worked as a banker for 20 years, and later retired from Knauf Insulation after 22 years of service.

 

Jim was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served on the parish council, finance committee, funeral choir and as an usher. After retirement, Jim also enjoyed volunteering as a church “Piddler”, taking care of odds and ends around the buildings and grounds. He was also a member of the Shelbyville Knights of Columbus.

 

While his sons played in the Babe Ruth baseball league, Jim was a coach and a member of the board of directors. When he wasn’t coaching, he was recording the game stats.

 

He took pleasure in history and chose historical vacation destinations, teaching his children about the history and value of our great nation. He used his free time to do yard work, golf, and watch I.U. sports and Cincinnati Reds baseball. He also dedicated much of his time to family and he looked forward to family celebrations, such as weddings and reunions.

 

Jim also grew to love his caretakers at Walker Place, who gave him the care and love he needed throughout his stay.

 

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 125 E. Broadway St. in Shelbyville, with the rosary recited at 9:30 a.m.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with Father Mike Keucher officiating.

 

Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Paul Cemetery in New Alsace.

 

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, CDC guidelines requiring a mask and social distancing will be observed.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Joseph Catholic School, 228 E. Hendrick St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

 

Online condolences may be shared with Jim’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

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