Date of death: 6/12/2017
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1961
James Aloysius ôJimö Kniery, 82, of Springfield, died Monday (June 12, 2017) at Concordia Village Care Center, Springfield.He was born May 23, 1935, in Bloomington, the seventh child of Simon Joseph and Anna Veronica Jordan Kniery. He attended Holy Trinity, Bloomington, through 10th grade and graduated early from St. Meinrad Seminary, Ind. He received his first degree from Saint Louis University in philosophy. He also studied at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, Mundelein College, Chicago, and the University of Illinois, Champaign, for his masters in social work.Survivors include his children, Edward (Yuka) Kniery, Stafford, Va.; Andrew (Rita) Kniery, El Paso, Texas; Bernard (Theresa) Kniery, Ph.D., York, Pa.; Mary Francis (John) Middlebrooks, Lake St. Louis, Mo.; Paul (Angela) Kniery, M.D., Bowling Green, Ky.; Monica (Marc) Hamilton, Bowling Green, Ky.; Rita Rose (Ryan) Lytle, Springfield; John (Gina) Kniery, Springfield; Elizabeth (Keith) Mitchell, Ruther Glenn, Va.; Maria (Bob) Britton-Sipe, Olympia, Wash.; and Teresa Elmore, Springfield; 30 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Sister Clarice Kniery, O.P., Springfield; one brother, Joe (Loralea) Kniery, Bloomington; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Edward (Eileen); Jerome ôJerryö (Danette); and W. Michael ôMikeö (Barbara) Kniery; two sisters, Marge (Donald) Swibaker and Ann (Charles) Koch; and one grandson, Joshua Lytle.Jim was a parishioner of Christ the King Parish, Springfield. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1960 to 1963. 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 the Department of Children and Family Services for the State of Illinois after thirty-four years of service.JimÆs family would like to thank the caring staff and residents of his Concordia Village family. Our deepest appreciation to the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, who have supported our family with love and prayers.