Newton
James D. Knicley age 88, of Newton, passed away Monday, November 8, 2021 at HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital, Effingham.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Crain Funeral Home in Newton. Cremation rites will be accorded, as per Jim’s wishes. Private interment services will be held in the Mound Cemetery, rural Jasper County. Military rites will be accorded by the Ste. Marie Post No. 932 of the American Legion.
Jim was born on September 3, 1933, in Olney, Illinois the son of Everett L. and Inez (Hunt) Knicley. Jim proudly served his country in the U. S. Army. On January 7, 1969, Jim married Mary E. Smiley. She survives. Jim was a lifetime truck driver and loved what he did. Through the years, he drove as an owner-operator, as well as driving for many businesses in and around Jasper County. He liked to tell people “he had backed up more miles than most people had driven forward.”
In years past, Jim served as a police magistrate in Newton. During this time, he even performed two weddings. He was a member of the Ste. Marie American Legion Post 932 and past member of the Jaycees and the Newton Lions Club. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, helping Mike around the farm and John Deere lawn mowers.
Jim will be loved and remembered by his wife Mary Knicley of Newton; sons Mike Knicley, wife Jane and Butch Knicley, wife Tammy all of Newton; daughter Ella Wilson, husband Jason of Robinson; grandchildren Adam and Kelly Knicley, Jordan and Helen Knicley, Brody Wilt, Sophie Wilson, Tristan and Kristen Knicley and Tyler and Stephanie Knicley; 6 great-grandchildren and niece Andrea Washington of Wheaton, IL.
His parents Everett and Inez Knicley and brother Bruce Knicley preceded him in death.
Memorial gifts in honor of Jim may be made to the Ste. Marie Post 932 or to the Jasper County Cancer Support Fund.
Online condolences maybe offered at www.crainfuneral.com.
