Knapp, James E.

James E. Knapp, 89, formerly of Springville, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010, at Garnett Place in Cedar Rapids. Funeral services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at Springville Presbyterian Church. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion and after 10 a.m. Thursday at the church. Graveside services: 2 p.m. Thursday at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, with military honors.

James was born July 6, 1921, in Marion, Iowa, to John Ellsworth and Elsie Mae (Andrews) Knapp. He graduated from Marion High School in 1940. On Aug. 21 1940, Jim married Wilma M. Sproston at her parents' home in Mount Vernon. Jim and Wilma just observed their 70th anniversary in August. 

Jim proudly served his country during World War II in the Army from September 1944-April 1946. He served in the European Theater of Operation on the front lines of the Battle of the Bulge on to the Rhine River across from Berlin. He helped liberate Dachau and received the Purple Heart. He was a member of Springville American Legion Post 331.

After serving his country, he returned to work 43 years in assembly at Cherry Burrell Corporation, retiring in July 1983. He was a member of UAW Local 1024 and served 12 years on the board of directors of the Cherry Burrell Credit Union.

Jim was a 50 plus-year member of Springville Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, deacon, and trustee. He and Wilma served as youth leaders as well. He was presented a UPW Presbyterian Church Honorary Member in 1987 and was a delegate to the Eastern Iowa Presbytery.

Jim was a 20-year volunteer for Hospice of Mercy, receiving the Hospice of Mercy Volunteer of the Year award in 1999. He volunteered for St. Luke's Hospice for many years and received great pleasure in reaching out to others by volunteering in St. Luke's Pastoral Care. He also received the KCRG-TV9 Show You Care Appreciation award in 2002.

He enjoyed reading and loved dancing. He was a Cubs, Chicago Bears, Iowa Hawkeyes, Coe Kohawks, and Marion Indians fan.

Surviving him are his loving and faithful wife of 70 years, Wilma; son, Gary and Sharon Knapp of Marion; grandchildren, Tammy and Scott Kelly of Alpharetta, Ga., and Ron and Kim Knapp of Marion; great-grandchildren, Dustin Franklin (fiancee Jessica) of Macon, Ga., Josh Kelly of Birmingham, Ala., Beth Knapp and Ben Knapp of Marion, Mariah Kelly of Alpharetta, Ga., and Maddie Knapp of Marion. Also surviving him are brother-in-law, Paul Plass; sister-in-law, Maxine (Lester) Mikulecky; brother-in-law, Larry (Janelle) Sproston; nephew, Gregg (Brenda) Knapp of Bothell, Wash.; and several nephews and nieces.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, John Jr.; and sister, Iola Plass.

Jim was a devoted Christian man, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A man who was true to his word and kept his promise whenever possible – a man who was loved and respected by his fellow man. A friend to all.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Roof and the St. Luke's Hospice team, especially Peggy, Susanne, Pam, Jeremy, and Karl for the compassionate and tender care given to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Luke's Hospice or Springville Presbyterian Church.

Please sign the online guest book for Jim at  under obituaries.