James ""Jim Knoles

James “Jim” Knoles, 90, of Minatare, died Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at Heritage Estates in Gering with his beloved wife at his side. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Trails West YMCA Camp Retreat Center with Craig Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Memorial contributions may be given to Panhandle Humane Society or the YMCA Camp. Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com.

Jim was born at home in Gering on July 19, 1924, the son of O.F. and Ethelyn (Brummett) Knoles. He attended Gering schools where he excelled in track/field, football, baseball and basketball. Several of his track/field records were only recently broken.

Jim started working at a local shoe store in Scottsbluff at age 11 for approximately 7 years during the Depression. At age 18, he entered into the U.S. Navy. He honorably served his country in the South Pacific Theater as a fire controlman on the Destroyer, U.S.S. Saufley for 3 ½ years. He received many battle stars, medals and commendations and was honorably discharged on December 7, 1945.

After returning home, Jim went into business with Ralph Morrison, building and managing Morrison Livestock Auction for many years. He was also involved in farming and ranching operations at that time. In 1968, he left Gering and moved to Torrington, WY where he managed Stockman Livestock for 3 years.

Jim married the love of his life Peggy “Twig” Sherwin of Douglas, WY on September 4, 1969. They moved back to Scottsbluff in 1971 where he set up a cattle order buying business; Twig Livestock. He purchased cattle for local farmers, ranchers and friends for many years.

In 1995, Jim was diagnosed with cancer and fought a valiant fight until succumbing to the disease in July 2015. He got his Real Estate Broker’s License in 1980 and for several years he sold farms and ranches in the area.

Jim was very active in the V.F.W and served as All State Quartermaster for 8 years. He also served as Aide de camp from 1991-1992.

Jim enjoyed all sports, especially Broncos, Rockies and the Huskers. He was a voracious reader and was always interested in national politics.

Jim is survived by wife Peggy “Twig”; beloved sister Mary Ina Einsel; sons Jeff and Jere; grandchildren Daniele Cunningham and Patrick Knoles; 2 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Ellen Sherwin “Big-Un”; brother-in-law Len Sherwin, much loved niece Benjean (Jim) Braun and other numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, a brother, several nieces and nephews, sister-in-law and father-in-law.