James Kniesly
Age - 79
December 7, 2023
James A. Kniesly of Miamisburg, OH, passed away December 2, 2023 from Cholangiocarcinoma. He was 79. Jim was born in Bradford, Ohio, to the late Vaughn and Blanche Kniesly (Frey) on January 5, 1944. Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Peggy (Bacon) and their two children: Kent Kniesly and Kara Zaller (Adam). He is also survived by their four grandchildren: Colin and Aidan Kniesly and Ethan and Ryan Zaller; as well as great-grandson Bryer Kniesly, his brother, Jack Kniesly; sister-in-law Carolyn Kniesly; several nieces and nephews and many friends who are like family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Don Kniesly; sister, Judy Brum; and bother-in-law Dave Crane.
A graduate of Bradford High School in 1962, Jim was the class president, played in the band and participated in several sports, including track and football. He left his small hometown of Bradford to attended college at The University of Dayton, but remained very active with his high school alumni group. While at UD, he met his best friend, John Grilliot and then the love of his life, Peggy Bacon. Jim and Peg were married on May 30, 1964. Jim graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1968. Although Jim may have left UD, his heart remained there always. He was a proud Flyer, frequently attending football, basketball, soccer and volleyball games with Peg.
After graduation, Jim went to work for Allstate Insurance, where he spent 35 years in claims and claims management. After his early retirement from Allstate, he decided he was not cut out for retirement quite yet and spent 8 more years at Grange Insurance.
Jim loved life and he lived it to the fullest, especially if that meant being outdoors. Running was a passion of Jim's and he competed in a number of marathons and ultra-marathons, including: JFK 50 miler, Marine Corps, Chicago, Columbus, Air Force and too many local races to count. Jim was dedicated to the Dayton running community, continuing to be involved with the Ohio River Road Runners club by volunteering every year at the club's annual turkey trot. His true running passion was trail running, and every Sunday you could find Jim in one of Dayton's metro parks. True to Jim's nature, running wasn't a solo sport, but a team sport. Despite his ongoing health issues, he continued to run, and later walk with his friends every Sunday morning in the Terry Murry Running Group. They often had coffee and donuts after their Sunday runs, and Jim faithfully brought a donut home for Peg each week.
When Jim started to feel some knee pain, he didn't stop running, he just pivoted some of his time to cycling. In true Jim fashion, a few miles here or there just wouldn't cut it. Instead, he completed RAGBRAI, the bike ride across Iowa, which is a staggering 500 miles. If running and cycling weren't enough, you could also find Jim on the tennis court or watching a match and stealing a few pointers to improve his game.
The outdoor activity theme also carried through to the care of his lawn and gardens. Jim always had a pristine lawn and his flower beds were the envy of most on the street. His backyard at Laurelwood could have easily been showcased in a lawn and garden magazine. His vegetable garden was also a passion for Jim. When he and Peg moved from Laurelwood to Beechcomb, his garden came under attack from the local deer and rabbits. Jim would have none of that, and in the coming years Jim built the most elaborate fencing system to prevent any animal from gaining entrance to his garden. His passion for the outdoors also showed in his love of birds and bird watching. This included elaborate bird houses, contraptions to keep away the squirrels and some of the best bird food you could get. Their house was truly a sanctuary for his feathered friends.
Jim was more than an outdoor enthusiast. He was a proud Daytonian and appreciated the opportunities that the city gave him. He loved the Kettering Fairmont Marching Band and even after his kids graduated, he still went to parades and football games to watch the band.
He was a friend to all and a consoler to anyone who needed advice. He was kind and even keeled. He never raised his voice, instead he provided coaching so you didn't make the same mistake twice. He could fix anything and always had the right bolt or screw for your project and he always had the tool you needed.
He was selfless, always thinking of the little things that would put a smile on your face. You liked root beer? He had it in the fridge for when you would come over, something his grandsons always appreciated.
Jim loved his family and relished his role as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and Peg loved traveling together; from camping and family vacations, to annual trips to Florida, and many special trips with family and friends. Kent and Kara were lucky to have a supportive dad who attended every event and took an active role. Whether it was coaching, helping with the band, cheering from the sidelines, or offering support and advice, Jim was always there for his kids. As grandchildren came, Jim channeled that same energy to his grandkids. He loved seeing them play sports or perform in concerts and always wanted to hear about what they were doing in school, work and with friends. His family was everything to Jim.
While Jim will always be remembered for being the exceptional person that he was and living life to the fullest, none of his friends and family will ever forget how he beamed with pride in knowing them. He was always eager to hear about your accomplishments and he would always smile about the achievements that you made. That is how his friends and family will remember Jim - the joyous smile he had about each of us.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday, December 8th at the Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel, located at 5471 Far Hills Ave, Kettering, OH 45429. A private graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery at 11:00 on Saturday, December 9th. The cemetery is located at 118 Woodland Avenue, Dayton, OH 45409.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James Cancer Center in memory of Jim Kniesly. Donations may be made online at: www. giveto. osu. edu/makeagift/details/310921. Donations may also be made by mail, payable to: The James Cancer Center, PO Box 710811, Columbus Ohio 43217. Please identify in the mailing that it is in memory of Jim Kniesly (310921).
Jim's Online tribute wall may be viewed and signed at: https://www. dignitymemorial. com/obituaries/dayton-oh/james-kniesly-11565382Show more
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