James E. Mcknight

James E. ""Jim"" McKnight, 71, of Nelsonville, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2010 at his residence. He was born December 3, 1938, in Nelsonville, son of the late Virgil and Cora Strawn McKnight. He was married to Janice Wilson McKnight, who survives, for almost 51 years.

Jim graduated from Buchtel High School in 1956 and was a skilled machinist who apprenticed at Metal Powder Products in Logan before working as a machinist at Anchor Hocking in Lancaster. He retired from Ohio University's Russ College of Engineering and Technology where he was awarded the 2003 Russ College of Engineering and Technology Outstanding Employee Award. He attended the Nelsonville Wesleyan Church and loved farming. Jim always said he felt closest to God while working out on the farm.

In addition to his wife, Janice, he is survived by his children, Katherine Keith Kittle of Athens, Karen Thomas Metcalf of Nelsonville and J. Thomas McKnight fiancé, Amy Kendall and children Barry and Brooklyn of New Marshfield; grandchildren, Joshua and Nathan Metcalf, Sariah and Lexie McKnight and Hannah and Liana Kittle; brothers, Virgil Nina McKnight of Nelsonville and Charles Rita McKnight of Lancaster; sisters, Gyneth Boyle of New Straitsville and Cora Helen Kemper of Wapakoneta; sister-in-law, Helen McKnight of New Marshfield and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Melvin McKnight and a sister, Ruth Rafferty.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville with Rev. Mike Thomas officiating. Interment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville. Friends may call Monday, March 22, 2010 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

Jim remembered as a young boy, when times were hard, food being provided for the family. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to the Nelsonville Wesleyan Church Care Ministry, Chestnut and Harper Streets, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764, to help families in need in our area.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com