James “Jim” M. Kneib
1956-2013
James (“Jim”) M. Kneib, 56, St. Joseph, died surrounded by family and friends on Monday, September 2, 2013, at Heartland Regional Medical Center. Jim was a loving and devoted son to his mother and father Ruth C. (Reardon) Kneib and Earl G. Kneib of St. Joseph, who survive. Survivors include, his sister Susan Kneib
Hubbard, (Rick) Kansas City, MO; god-mother, Florita Allgaier, of St. Joseph; uncle, Wayne Reardon, of Easton, MO; and aunt, Geraldine Fisher, Gower, MO, and many cousins.
Jim was born on November 9, 1956 in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Cathedral School establishing a friendship in 7 collaborator in many projects, Phil Klawuhn. Jim graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School in 1975 where he was Student Council President and excelled in speech and debate. He also attended Creighton University, Omaha, NE and Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
At an early age, Jim developed an interest in politics and government. He served as an intern on the staff of Congressman Jerry Litton who said of Jim that he was one of the brightest young men he had ever met.
Jim also served as assistant to Deputy Director Jim Sprake in the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture and to Director of Administration Paul Hurst. During that time, Jim also served as assistant director of the Missouri State Fair.
Upon returning from college, Jim became involved in real estate and investment in development properties with Earl and Ruth, particularly in the Frederick/Riverside
corridor and in Eastern Buchanan County. In later years, he oversaw his family’s farming operation.
He was also involved in the family business that manufactured the Kneib “Pop-Up” hay bail loader. Jim played an instrumental part in the campaign for restoration of the Buchanan County Courthouse.
Jim served in finance roles for numerous political campaigns including Jim Russell for Congress and Ken Rothman for Governor, who remained close friends.
Jim enjoyed fishing, trapshooting and boating. He was an avid traveler taking many trips to Germany to visit Kneib family members located through his genealogy studies and to
his favorite vacation spots in Costa Rica including with his fishing buddy and dear friend, Dr. Jay McMillen. Jim was a devoted Catholic, a member of Cathedral parish and served on the Property Committee of the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph. He and his family have also been significant contributors to Conception Abbey.
Jim was a dedicated friend to many during his lifetime. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his family and friends but his spirit will live on in their lives and in the many endeavors in which he was involved.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop Robert Finn, D.D. at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 7 at St. Joseph Cathedral, 519 N. 10 St. Joseph, MO. The Mass will be concelebrated by Abbott Gregory Polan, OSB, Fr. Matthew Rotert, and Fr. Benedict Neenan, OSB. A parish rosary led by Fr. Matthew Benjamin will be recited at 6:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 6, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel, 3609 Frederick Ave., St. Joseph, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Joseph Cathedral School. Interment following service at Mount Olivet Cemetery.