James Knapton
December 13, 2024
December 13, 2024
December 13, 2024
James William Knapton
Born February 3rd, 1950.
Died at home on December 13th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Jim is the beloved husband of Dawn (54 years), Father of Trina Wright (Frank Robinson) and Richard Knapton. Worlds best Papa to Morgan, Mackenzie, Monet, Mayven (Wright) and Madyson and Avery Knapton. “Papa represented safety. He was the strength of our family and the best hugger ever.”
Jim was
born in Kingston Ontario, He is survived by his brothers Bruce (Sandy), and
Chris (Barb) and his sisters Donna (Bubba) and Cheryl. He was predeceased by
his parents Ron and Joan and by his younger brother Steve.
Jim was a
gentle, loving soul, quiet, and straightforward. He met life with a smile and
with humor. He deeply loved his family, and he could always be counted on to go
the extra mile to care for us.
He had an
ease about him, and he was so accepting of life and what came our way, wise and
supportive.
At the age
of 49 Jim retired from the company he had worked for since he was 18. He left
this job to join Dawn in the move to BC as her career with the BC government
was just beginning. He never regretted it. He loved the beauty and ruggedness
of this province.
Throughout
his life Jim was an avid reader, a craftsman, a builder, a chef, and a great
friend. He had a passion for ocean kayaking and was fortunate to meet Dr Ken Hirst
who guided his building of two majestic Western Red Cedar strip kayaks. Of
course, kayaking became his outdoor love, and he shared the experience with
anyone who was up for the challenge.
Jim ‘s journey with Alzheimer’s began in late 2017. Alzheimer’s has been described as the long goodbye. In many ways, this is true as bits and pieces of this gentle, kind, loving, generous being slipped away. He remained at home until his last breath. There is something very sacred in caring for someone who is so vulnerable and so dependent. We have been both honored and humbled through this precious experience. We know that Jim will always be with us, watching over us, smiling and guiding our adventures.
Jim and his family would like to thank many angels who helped them over the past 10 months. Dr Brussow and Anne from Chilliwack Mountain Medical, Tamra speech and language pathologist, Sarah, social worker for Home care and for the many home support workers. A special thank-you to a unique group of Homecare workers, Sherman, Teddy, Sherry, David, Angie and Shelly. Your presence, gentle care, singing and teasing brought an ease to Jim's body and spirit.
Many unique blessings be returned to each of you who lifted-up Jim in his final journey.
He will be missed. Adieu my sweet one. May your spirit soar with the joy of the angels.
A celebration of life will take
place in the new year.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
Oh goodness, Uncle Jim, what a gentle man indeed. With the best laugh. It has been so long since I’ve seen him in person but I truly appreciated the time I spent at his home when I visited, and our talks. He brought us all sailing on one visit and it’s always been such a happy memory of my childhood.
I am so sorry for all of you. It is a great loss, indeed, and a difficult road.
Much love and hugs to you all.
~ Cindy Knapton
I always called Jim my big brother, even though I was taller than him. I guess it was because he always acted like a bigger brother. I always enjoyed our conversations and welcomed his opinions, and I will truly miss our zoom calls. Even when he became nonverbal, his smiles would light up the screen. It was truly an honour to call Jim my big brother and I miss him and think about him every day. Thank you, Dawn for all the love you gave to my brother, especially for the last couple years when he truly needed it someone to care for him with love and compassion. Love to all the family, Dawn, Richard, Trina and family.
Love Bruce and Sandy
~ Bruce Knapton
So sad to hear this, thinking of you all. You were wonderful support to him. 💕
~ Shelley Knapton
Our sincerest condolences to Dawn, Trina, Richard and the extended
Knapton family.
The Russell family sadly mourn the loss of our dear
brother-in-law “Jim”.
Jim was a quiet, kind hearted soul who devoted his entire
life to Dawn and his family.
The term “Family Man” describes you to a “T”
You endured countless night-shifts at Graphic Controls in Gananoque,
you purchased your first home on Garden Street, built your 2nd home
on Maple Grove Road, moved your family to Kingston to support Dawn’s PHD studies
at Queens and then headed West to set up a new home in BC that allowed Dawn to
flourish in her new Career…every single thoughtful step was devoted to your
family.
You leave us with so many wonderful memories, from countless
family dinners, birthdays, weddings, numerous pig roasts at Mom’s homestead to your remodeling Mr. Day’s old bus into an RV Camper so that your family could vacation
in style at Charleston Lake.
As a husband, father, son-in-law and brother-in-law you aced
them ALL my friend, well done!
Thank you for being such a kind soul, your gentle ways
touched so many and you will be dearly missed.
May your light continue to shine as you begin your next
journey among the heavens, god bless you!
Scott, Rosemarie, Jason & Alison
The Russell’s
Sincere condolences to you ,Bruce Sandy and family.so sorry for your loss ,hugs and prayers
Condolences to Cheryl and the entire the Knapton family. I remember Jim well working with him at Graphic Controls back in the late 70's.
Jim was a great friend to work with. He will be truly missed 😇
Carolyn MacNeil
~ Carolyn MacNeil
My deepest condolences. We are friends of Sandy and Bruce fromNew York. May he rest in peace and may all your fond memories of him help comfort you.
~ Campbell
Imagining you exuberantly flying in Source!
~ Trina Wright
Jim was a sweet, quiet, gentle man who loved his family very much. Michael and I send our love and condolences on his passing.
We fondly remember the times in Gananoque when we played euchre and 500 on Saturday evenings.
Even though we haven't seen him for quite a while we will miss his gentle spirit.
Michael and Penny
~ Penny Nash
This photo speaks volumes of the special light that Jim was.
He was a gentle, caring, loving spirit who shared himself with everyone but especially with his family.
Jim was a quiet spirit who was always ready to learn and share what he had learned.
I remember your wedding reception which was held at the old Maple Grove School building north of Gananoque. You were so proud and happy to be marrying the love of our life. I can see that special glow in this photo.
I will cherish the memories I have of you and when I think of you I will have a sweet smile for your remembrance.
Penny Nash
~ Penny Nash
Uncle Jim,
To know you was to love you. A kind, gentle soul who always made me feel safe and at home in your presence. I cherish the time we spent together on my trips out west and am so grateful you were able to attend my wedding in 2019. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Love always,
Kelcie
~ Kelcie Beckwith
Dawn, Trina, Richard and families as You know I’ve known Jim and Dawn since I was in my teens. Jim was always the most welcoming, friendly, funny, sweetest man. Annual pig roasts held at the family home comes to mind when Jim would be chief pig roaster. From those fun times, every time I hear Steve Miller Band, (Joker, Fly like an eagle, etc) I think of Jim. Now when I see an eagle I shall think of Jim.
Heartfelt felt hugs to you all,
Kim
~ Kim Turner
My heart gets so warm thinking of Uncle Jim. I have so many positive memories that flood in from him falling though a lawn chair at a pig roast when I was a kid to the shining pride he displayed showing me his kayaks decades later.
He was always so kind to us as kids, and I know a supportive husband and father.
And the few times I was lucky to see him in the more recent years, he always had a smile, enjoyed being around people - I could always see his inner spark.
May his light be carried on and spread in all who had the honor of sharing this life with his.
Jim was my uncle, most of my memories were of visiting him and Aunt Dawn in Hope. Going down to the lake and sitting in his beautiful canoes. He always had a smile on his face and seemed to be so happy in is life.
He will be greatly missed and my heart goes out to Dawn and the rest of the family.<3
~ Jesse Brown
Thinking of my dear sister Dawn, Trina, Richard and all of your children, with lots of love.
Awe sweet Jim, such a kindhearted, considerate, gentle soul and wondrous brother (in-law) ❤️ Family man wholeheartedly! Always there to lend a hand and offer advice and support as I was growing up. I believe I was 8 when you joined the Russell family. I have a lifetime of fond memories from your subtle chuckle and your larger then life smile, to your humorous story-telling, culinary skills (lots of garlic) and always that twinkle in your eye.
You were truly one of the good ones!
I will miss you and always remember you fondly.
Lori
To my dearest Dr. Dawn,
Im very sad that you lost your husband, i think he was a nice man and loved his family. You are an angel for caring for Jim at home. You were born an angel. Know im thinking of you and saying prayers that you rest more and find peace.
luv ya hun,
Mom
~ Helen Russell