James “Jim” Harold McKnight Jr., age 71, of Hayward, WI, passed away at his home on Friday, September 2, 2022, surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Jim was born September 15, 1950, to Elizabeth Anderson and James McKnight Sr. in St. Paul, MN. He was the third oldest child out of seven children.

He married Mary Kurkowski in Frederic, WI in 1969 and had four children together, eventually parting ways.

He married Diane (Dolly) Grover August 20, 1994, in Hayward, WI and had just celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. They have one child from this marriage.

Jim was a die-hard fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Wild and the Gophers. He loved to hunt and fish when he was physically able. He loved classic cars, he could name the make, model and year, every time he saw one. In his younger years, his 1969 Dodge Charger was his prized possession and he loved to talk about it. He also played baseball in Lewis, WI and was very athletic. He enjoyed grilling and cooking meals for his family, chili was his specialty. He was a man of many different skills. He enjoyed painting and doing carpentry work, he also had the most beautiful unique handwriting. He had many different kinds of jobs through the years. He took special care of his big backyard and was up bright and early with coffee in hand at the picnic table watching and listening to the birds and wildlife in his yard. He was amazed by the outdoors and its beautiful wildlife. He was in the newspaper in August of 2020 after spotting a cougar in his yard, he was excited about that. He loved relaxing and watching his sports and old TV shows. He cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren. The grandchildren gave him life. He was a man with a huge heart.

Jim was loved deeply by his family, will be missed, and will forever be in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife Diane (Dolly) McKnight, Hayward, WI; daughter, Angela (Joe) Hagert, Siren, WI; sons, Chad (Jennifer) McKnight, Chisago City, MN, Cory (Kendra) McKnight, Siren, WI, Jason McKnight, Frederic, WI; and Casey (Rosie) McKnight, Eau Claire, WI; fourteen grandchildren, Frankie Knuf, Josie and Jordyn Hagert, Kyler and Kailey McKnight, Paetyn and Hudsyn McKnight, Dane and Finley McKnight, Laylah, Marquis, Izaeah, Elyse and Ethan McKnight; one great granddaughter, Brooklyn; sister, Candace Java of St. Paul, MN; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends and stepsister, Ginger Baker.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents James McKnight Sr. and Elizabeth (Anderson) Clay; stepmother, Philomena McKnight and stepfather, Melvin Clay; sisters, Gale McKnight, Mary Heidtke, Jolene Haines and Jayne Steuck; brothers, Joel and Timothy McKnight; stepbrothers, Ed and Mike Ingebritsen, and Curtis Clay; brothers in law, Scott Steuck and Frank Baker; and sister-in-law Patricia Kokesch.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at his home, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 15912 W. Carol Drive, Hayward, WI 54843. We would love to see everyone.

Written by his loving niece, Jennifer Hannah.

Last Update: Sep 06, 2022 10:22 am CDT