James J. Knebel

KNEBEL, JORDAN, HORRELL

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 7/3/2009 at 12:20:58

James J. Knebel age 60 of 1941 Hafor Dr., Iowa City died Sunday morning, August 7 while on vacation in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Jim was born on February 18, 1945 of Andrew and Phyllis (Jordan) Knebel in Iowa City. He was raised on a farm near Riverside. He graduated from Iowa City Regina in 1963.

He went to work for Jaydon and continued there for 10 years. His sales career continued with V and M of Grinnell until 1976. Subsequently, he worked as a grocery food broker for Remco and then later Eisenhart until 1997 when he made a job change to what he felt was the ideal job. He became the retail sales supervisor for Wells Blue Bunny. The new motto for Blue Bunny in his initial year was “Live the Brand.” Jim put reality to their sales slogan. His loyalty and dedication for the promotion of Blue Bunny ice cream was legendary.

His involvement with friends, family, and community was extensive during his life. Jim was known for his laughter. He brightened every room he entered and never knew a stranger. He was a person who always knew someone no matter where he went.

Jim was a charter member of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse and a successful horseman. He volunteered much time with the Variety Club of Iowa and the Iowa Grocer’s Association. Jim was an ardent bicycler making the RAGBRAI ride across Iowa 11 times. In 2004 he decided that a motorbike was better than pedaling and purchased a Gold Wing tricycle. He also loved his golf game, hunting, fishing, and camping.

But most of all, he loved his family and their gatherings around the card table. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Altmaier, on July 29, 1967. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan from his earliest years and a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife, son, Tom and his wife Sarah and grandson Alex, daughter, Kristin, sister, Nancy Horrell and her husband Ron, brothers, Steve and his wife Marcy, Mike, Rick and his wife Cindy, and 12 nieces and nephews.

His mother, father, one aunt, and six uncles preceded Jim in death.