James (Jim) B. Knapp, 87, departed this life on October 2, 2024 in Orlando, FL. He was born on January 26, 1937 in Highland Park, Michigan (just outside of Detroit), to his parents, Bruce and Emmaline Knapp. After graduating from West Bloomfield High School, he began working as a carpenter, and was one of the youngest in the union. Determined to earn a college education, he took classes when he had the money. He met Barbara, they were married 2 years later on September 12, 1959, and they continued as married students at Michigan State University, both graduating together with their bachelor degrees in June of 1961. Just as he was about to begin his first job after graduation, he was drafted by Uncle Sam and served 2 years in the Army. After completing his stint in the Army, he began a career building homes, duplexes, restaurants, gas stations, apartments and commercial buildings, retiring in 2005. During that time he worked for some of the largest builders, including Levitt and Sons, Kaufman and Broad, and Pizza Hut in northwestern New York and Canada, before starting his own construction company in 1980.

He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 65 years, as well as their 2 sons: David Knapp, his wife Barbara (Orlando), and their 3 daughters, Kaley Knapp (Ft. Lauderdale), Delaney Knapp (Brooklyn), and Emma Knapp (Tallahassee/FSU); and Greg Knapp, his wife Anne (Jacksonville), and their 2 daughters, Faith Knapp (Los Angeles), and Summer Knapp (Orlando). He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Vivienne Hutchings (Orlando), his 2 sisters: Pat Bartig (Augusta, MI), Carol McGowan (Ortonville, MI), and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1603 E. Winter Park Rd., Orlando, FL 32803 on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11am. The family would like to thank all those in the medical field who helped him continue through the years of his Parkinson's, including the V.A., Cornerstone Hospice, Coach Cynthia at Rock Steady Boxing, and his exceptional caregivers, Kerline and Evelia.

He was active in the League of Women Voters and his church, Emmanuel, singing in the choir and serving on the vestry. We are sure he would welcome a donation to one of those entities, or to a charity or your choice in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be made on the Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home webpage at https://baldwincremation.com/category/obituaries.

He was a great husband, dad, grandpa and friend. He was comfortable giving and receiving a hug, and wasn't afraid to tell you he loved you. We love him, and will miss him.