James Knoff

Biography

James W. Knoff, 86, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 8:35 P.M. Sunday, July 8, 2012 at his home. He was born April 16, 1926, to the late William G. and Carrie Knoff. On October 5, 1957, he married the former Beverly Jane Culp and she preceded him in death January 6, 1996.

He is survived by a son, Keith (Jan) Knoff of Bellefontaine; three sisters, Mary Ruth (Leland) Tuttle of Bellefontaine, Phyllis Hartzler of West Liberty, Ohio and Nora (Charles) McMellen of Greenville, Michigan; a brother, Don Knoff of West Liberty; many friends, including special friends, Phil and MacKenzie Neer of Bellefontaine and Linda Coats of Bellefontaine, and numerous nieces and nephews.

James retired as a letter carrier from the Bellefontaine Post Office and was a life-time member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He was a United States Army Veteran serving in World War II, and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star while serving as a member of the 96th Infantry “Deadeyes”, which earned a Presidential Unit Citation. He was a life-member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a life-member and Past President of the Disabled American Veterans Ohio Chapter #66, a life-member of the Harold Kerr Post #173American Legion, life-member of the VFW Post #1080 in Bellefontaine, La Societe Des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevauk, and a former member of the Logan County Honor Guard. James also was a member of the Bellefontaine Lodge #209 F&AM, a 32nd degree Mason with membership at the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, Bellefontaine Commandery #61 Knights Templar, Grand Council Royal and Select Masons of Ohio-Logan Council #85, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio-LaFayette Chapter #60, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Bellefontaine Elks Lodge #132, Indian Lake Moose Lodge #1533, Fraternal Order of Eagles Arie 2166, and a life-member of both the North American Hunting Club and the National Rifle Association.

The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at the Kauffman-Eichholtz Funeral Home in West Liberty with Pastor A.W. Purdin officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral. A Masonic service will be conducted prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at the Highland Memorial Cemetery in West Liberty with military rites by the Logan County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan County Honor Guard or Wilson Home Health and Hospice Care.

The funeral arrangements were handled by the staff of the Kauffman-Eichholtz Funeral Home in West Liberty.