James Charles Knoepfler

SIOUX CITY -- James "Jim" Charles Knoepfler, 89, of Sioux City passed away peacefully Thursday, May 27, 2010, at his home with family by his side.

Abiding by his wishes, cremation has taken place. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Reva Karstons officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements.

James was born Nov. 18, 1920, in Walthill, Neb., to Karl J. and Corinne (Record) Knoepfler. In 1922 the family moved to Sioux City where his father continued the practice of law, eventually joining a Mr. Stason in the firm Stason and Knoepfler.

James, usually known as Jim, graduated from Central High School in Sioux City in December 1938 and spent the next two summers working at the World's Fair in New York City at the Swift and Company exhibit. He applied for admission to Dartmouth College and was admitted to the Class of 1943. After accelerated study at Tuck School, Jim graduated in December 1942 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy as an ensign in the Naval Reserve. After special training in the Naval Supply School at Harvard, he was assigned as supply officer of the USS Wilson Destroyer, DD 408. Jim spent the next two years in the South Pacific, where his ship received 10 battle stars.

After release from the Navy, Jim applied for admission to the School of Law at the University of Iowa and graduated in June 1948. He joined another graduate, a friend and former Central High classmate, Jack W. Frye, to open an office in Charles City, Iowa. While there, he met and married a third-grade teacher, Barbara Jean Allen, in 1951. In the fall of 1952, the couple moved to Sioux City, where Jim was employed at Miller-Kidder Chevrolet Company. In 1965, he became the dealer of Kidder-Knoepfler Company and eventually bought the interests of Mr. Kidder.

Jim was active in various organizations in Sioux City with special interest in First Congregational United Church of Christ, where he served in many capacities, including chairman of the Council and chairman of the second campaign to finance the new church building. He was an active and emeritus member of the board of directors of the Wall Street Mission, and served as co-chairman of the campaign to raise money for the new building on West Fourth Street. He was a member of the board of First Federal Savings and Loan for more than 20 years. Jim was honored to receive the Key Award from the Downtown Rotary Club in 1998.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara; three sons, Charles and William of Sioux City and James R. of Des Moines, Iowa; a daughter, Katherine of Madison, Wis.; a brother, Donald of Williamsburg, Va.; six grandchildren, Ben, Abbie, Joe, Madison, Jackson and Sammy; and his loving puppy, Princess.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to First Congregational United Church of Christ or Hospice of Siouxland.

Jim's family would like to thank Bobbi Jo, Heather, Marguerite, Doris and Laurie, along with Chaplain Mike, all of Hospice of Siouxland.