James J. Knapp, age 74, lifelong resident of Drexel Hill passed away Thursday, October 11, 2012.
Jim is the husband of Maryanne (nee Conley) Knapp, father of Mary Kay McClatchy (Dennis), Jim (Cathy), Debbie Dunn (Dennis), Bob (Tina), Dan (Sally) and Kevin.Also survived by 18 grandchildren and one great grandchild and siblings; Patricia Houck, Dorothy Aitken, Jerry, Joe, and John Knapp.
Above all else, Jim's passion was enjoying time with his family. Holidays, New Years Eve's, backyard BBQ's and summers at the shore gave Jim great pleasure and he always felt - the more, the merrier.
Games, dance recitals, school plays, grandparent day, college graduation or any activity involving his children or grandchildren he was there.His grandkids appreciated Pop Pop letting them sneak an extra piece of candy or scoop of ice cream. He taught them how to ride a bike, rollerblade, drive a car and tackle with your head up.
Jim's stubbornness was legendary -- in not needing help to put up Christmas lights, wash a car or cook on the grill.Whenever he would visit a granddaughter, he would say --- "hey baby" --- and that was his way of making them feel special and loved.
Jim's love of a round of golf was not to score well but to be out there. Although he became a very proficient player, it was all about the time out on the course with friends.
A long time coach of St. Andrew Football, Drexel Hill Little League, and UDHL Baseball, Jim influenced and touched the lives of hundreds of Drexel Hill athletes. His dedication was rewarded as Jim was the inaugural recipient of the John Stack Coaching Award and is enshrined in the St. Andrew Athletics Hall of Fame.
Any friend of Jim's would tell you he was always armed with an intelligent, well informed opinion. If there was an argument to be had Jim was ready to engage and in his mind, he never met an argument he did not win.
A sales professional, Jim was employed by the County of Delaware as the Director of Telecommunications prior to that he worked for AT&T/Bell of Pennsylvania.
Family and friends may call 5 to 9 PM Tuesday in the Funeral Home of John Stretch, 236 E. Eagle Rd, Havertown and 10 to 10:45 AM Wednesday in St. Andrew Church, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill.Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 225 City Ave, Suite 104, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004.
Published in www.delcotimes.com from October 16 to October 17, 2012
