James Vernon Knaak Obituary (1942

James Vernon Knaak Jr. went to his heavenly home in the early morning hours of Friday, October 18, 2024, with his dear Linda by his side. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Cremation will take place following the visitation with burial to be held at a later date. A time of fellowship and to share stories of Jim will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the KD Center in Eldon, IA. Memorial contributions in Jim's honor may be directed to the Heartland Humane Society. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Jim was born September 15, 1942, in Hillsboro, Kansas to Eveline Jane (Boettcher) and James Vernon Knaak Sr. A lifelong resident of Eldon, he spent the past couple of years receiving care at KHCC in Keosauqua, in the frequent company of his beloved family and friends. Jim graduated from Eldon High School in 1960 and spent his teenage years under the loving guidance of his aunt and uncle, Ruth and Kenny Pauls. He always recounted with fondness the times spent with his cousins. In his younger years, Jim married Linda Lee Teeter. Although the union did not last, its result was two loved daughters, Tammy and Sue. As well as four cherished grandchildren: Nicholas, Michelle, Jessica and Megan. On February 24, 1990, Jim married Linda Elaine Murphy, officially becoming the beloved "Dad" to Mark, Melissa, and Chris, and "Peapa" to Lashawnda, Nathaniel, Hannah and John Joseph. The family grew over the years to include many more beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life. Often at gatherings he could be heard saying with a chuckle, "These are the good ol' days." A man of much knowledge and skill, he held various trade positions over the years. Jim was a well-known tinkerer and welder. If he welded something, it didn't break. He also owned and operated his own sand plant for several years and could often be seen around town in his old white bucket truck doing various electrical work. He loved to fish and could often be found in his boat or down along the riverbank in pursuit of a good catfish. He was also an avid Star Trek fan and enjoyed sci-fi. He had a soft heart where animals were concerned, and often made a home for the abandoned cat or dog that managed their way into his heart. In the same way that he loved animals, he often accepted and made a place for the people he met. He had a way of seeing the good in even those most rough around the edges. Jim was a gentle giant. He lended a helping hand whenever he could, and just lived out his belief in being good to people. He said what he meant and meant what he said. He was a father-figure to countless people and a man admired by many. To know him was to be impacted by him, and to love him. His absence is felt deeply. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, stepbrother Jerry Benn, and various uncles, aunts and cousins. He leaves behind a grateful and heartbroken family, sister Lillian, and brother Robert.