James Aloysius "Jim" Kniery

James Aloysius “Jim” Kniery, 82, of Springfield, died Monday, June 12, 2017 at Concordia Village Care Center. Born May 23, 1935 in Bloomington, IL, the seventh child of Simon Joseph and Anna Veronica (Jordan) Kniery. He attended Holy Trinity, Bloomington, IL through 10th grade and graduated early from St. Meinrad Seminary, IN. He received his first degree from Saint Louis University in Philosophy. He also studied at Loras College, Dubuque, IA, Mundelein College, IL, and the University of Illinois, Champaign, IL for his Masters in Social Work.

Survivors include his children, Edward (Yuka) Kniery of Stafford, VA, Andrew (Rita) Kniery of El Paso, TX, Bernard (Theresa) Kniery, PhD of York, PA, Mary Francis (John) Middlebrooks of Lake St. Louis, MO, Paul (Angela) Kniery MD of Bowling Green, KY, Monica (Marc) Hamilton of Bowling Green, KY, Rita Rose (Ryan) Lytle of Springfield, John (Gina) Kniery of Springfield, Elizabeth (Keith) Mitchell of Ruther Glenn, VA, Maria (Bob) Britton-Sipe of Olympia, WA and Teresa Elmore of Springfield; thirty grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one sister, Sr. Clarice Kniery, OP of Springfield; one brother, Joe (Loralea) Kniery of Bloomington, IL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Edward (wife Eileen), Jerome “Jerry” (wife Danette), W. Michael “Mike” (wife Barbara) Kniery; two sisters, Marge (husband Donald) Swibaker and Ann (husband Charles) Koch and one grandson, Joshua Lytle.

Jim was a parishioner of Christ the King Parish. He was a US Army veteran serving from 1960-63. He was a member of Knights of Columbus #364 and of the Dominican Laity. Jim was a lifetime learner. He had become a latin scholar. He relished the pursuit of new languages giving him a greater understanding of people and cultures. He enjoyed singing and living a prayerful life. Jim retired from Department of Children and Family Services for State of Illinois after thirty-four years of service.

Jim’s family would like to thank the caring staff and residents of his Concordia Village family. Our deepest appreciation to the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois who have supported our family with love and prayers.

Visitation: 3-7 pm, Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Staab Funeral Home-Springfield. A Rosary Service at 3 pm and Prayers to follow the Rosary.

Funeral Mass: 10 am, Friday, June 23, 2017 at Christ the King Church with Reverend Joseph Ring and Reverend Chima Frederick Mbiere officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Down Syndrome Society or Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois Retirement Fund.