He was born on July 9, 1935 to Milton and Irene Knackstedt. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in St. Louis. He was the loving and dedicated husband to Betty Ann for 59 years.

After graduating from Lutheran High School in St. Louis, he went on to attend Washington University and then on to Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After which he attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, then concluding his education at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Jim spent most of his life as an educator, teaching and leading others to always be their best and always putting the Lord first in his life. Jim was and is truly an inspiration to all who know and love him and he will be missed by many.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Betty Ann and many relatives and friends.

A special thank you to Laclede Groves Care Center and Jewel Box for their loving, kind and gentle attention and care for Jim over the past several years. We are equally thankful to Lutheran Senior Services Hospice Care for their love and kindness in his last days.

There will be a visitation for friends and family on Tuesday September 1, 2020 at 4:30 pm until 7:00 pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary 6464 Chippewa Street in St. Louis, Missouri. Wednesday September 2, 2020 there will be a short visitation at 10:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church 12345 Manchester Road, Des Peres, Missouri with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am at St. Paul. Burial and Service of Committal will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, 921 North Ballas Road, Des Peres, Missouri.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/saint-louis-mo/james-knackstedt-9328767