James "Phil" Phillip Knupp

Today we gather to celebrate the remarkable life of James Phillip “Phil” Knupp—a devoted family man, accomplished athlete, successful businessman, proud veteran, and lifelong outdoorsman whose journey touched countless lives over nine decades.

Phil was born on September 23, 1935, in Hays, Kansas, to Marvin C. Knupp and Lilian M. Keast Knupp. He grew up alongside his younger sister, Martha, and in 1950, the family moved to Lamar, Colorado, where Phil would begin to build the foundation of the life he would come to cherish.

At Lamar Union High School, Phil quickly distinguished himself both in the classroom and on the athletic field. A gifted competitor, he excelled in football, basketball, and track and field. One of his proudest athletic accomplishments was setting a Colorado state discus record with a throw of 147.64 feet. He graduated in 1953, ranking sixth in a class of 96 students. When he wasn’t competing, Phil could often be found hunting and fishing with friends, passions that would remain with him for the rest of his life.

After high school, Phil worked at a local Texaco station, but fate soon opened another door. Through former athletic rival Bill Rhodes of La Junta, he met Western State College football coach Pete Peterson. Impressed by Phil’s talent and character, Western State offered him both a full football scholarship and an academic honor scholarship.

Phil moved to Gunnison, Colorado, where he immediately went to work, attended school, and became the starting right tackle for Western State. Playing alongside Bill Rhodes, Phil helped lead the 1954 team to an undefeated season. That team was later inducted into the Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of an extraordinary group of young men. During his college years, Phil was fortunate to have the guidance and support of two respected Gunnison businessmen, Chuck Sweitzer and Frank Eastman, who became important mentors in his life. He graduated from Western State College in August 1957.

Following graduation, Phil proudly served his country in the Army Security Agency. While stationed in Germany, he met Ute, who would become his first wife. Together they welcomed their son, James Michael Knupp, on December 6, 1961.

After his military service, Phil built a successful career in banking, eventually rising to the position of Senior Vice President at a Colorado Springs bank. Never one to shy away from new opportunities, he transitioned into the automotive industry in 1972, joining Ralph Thomas Oldsmobile. A move to Minnesota followed in 1976, where he worked for Ralph Thomas Chevrolet in the Twin Cities.

In 1978, Phil returned to Colorado Springs and founded Trinity Motors, Inc. Through hard work, integrity, and determination, he built and operated the business for fourteen successful years. That same year marked a new chapter in his personal life. In 1979, he married Sandra Bender and proudly welcomed her children, Steven and Jennifer, into his family.

At the age of 55, Phil achieved something many dream of—retirement. He moved to Buena Vista, Colorado, where he embraced the mountain lifestyle he loved. Those years were among his happiest. Fishing became more than a hobby; it became a way of life. He spent three to four days a week on Colorado's lakes, finding peace, relaxation, and joy on the water. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, riding ATVs, and exploring the outdoors with friends and family.

Even after returning to Colorado Springs in 2010, Buena Vista never left his heart. He continued returning whenever he could, always drawn back to the lakes, mountains, and memories he loved so much.

Phil’s life was defined by determination, resilience, generosity, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. Whether he was competing on the football field, building a business, serving his country, mentoring others, or casting a line into a favorite fishing hole, he approached every endeavor with enthusiasm and purpose.

Those who knew Phil will remember his strong work ethic, his competitive spirit, his love of storytelling, his loyalty to family and friends, and his unmistakable passion for the outdoors. More than any title or accomplishment, he will be remembered for the lives he touched and the example he set.

As we celebrate Phil’s life today, we remember not only what he accomplished, but who he was—a man who worked hard, loved deeply, served proudly, and never lost his appreciation for the people and places that brought him joy.

His legacy lives on through his family, his friends, and the many memories shared by those fortunate enough to know him.

Rest easy, Phil. The lakes are calm, the mountains are waiting, and your story will continue to be told for generations to come.