James "Jim" Knapp

James Basil "Jim" Knapp, 78, of Mansfield, passed away early Wednesday morning, December 31, 2014 in OhioHealth MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. He was born September 15, 1936, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Emma Jeanette (Kinsel) and Basil Knapp.

Jim graduated from St. Peter's Catholic High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from Ashland College. He retired from General Motors after 32 years of service in the personnel office. He had a great memory and amazing knack for numbers. Jim knew most of his co-workers at General Motors by their badge or clock number. After his retirement, he drove bus for Ontario Local Schools. Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves.

Jim was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. He loved watching sports, in particular The Ohio State University Buckeyes. He enjoyed listening to and watching marching bands of all kinds and The Ohio State Buckeye Marching Band was his favorite. Jim's family, especially his grandchildren were most important to him. He enjoyed sharing his family's accomplishments with others and had many interesting stories to tell over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn (Long) Knapp; four sons, Rick Knapp of Pickerington, Steven (Kimberly) Knapp of Mansfield, Jeffrey (Kimberley) Knapp of Crestline and Kris (Shelly) Knapp of Ontario; six grandchildren, Kevin, Stephanie, Courtney, Tyler, Ally and Abby Knapp; and a great-granddaughter, Savannah Elizabeth Paige Knapp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Knapp and great-grandson, Jaxon Knapp.

The family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2015 in the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be recited at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2015 in St. Peter's Catholic Church, 104 W. First St., Mansfield. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.