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JAMES KNUDSON Obituary

James Edward Knudson With his family by his side, James Edward Knudson passed away peacefully on February 15, 2011. Jim had waged a valiant six-month battle against pancreatic cancer. Jim was born in Tacoma, WA on May 1, 1953 to Irene R. and Edward W. Knudson. He attended Holy Rosary Parish grade school and graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in 1971. He attended Santa Clara University, graduating in 1975, and immediately entered Jesuit Volunteer Corps, serving in Fairbanks, AK 1975-1976. While in Fairbanks Jim met the love of his life, fellow Jesuit Volunteer Donna Kling, and they married in 1978. Jim joined the faculty of Bellarmine in 1978 teaching both Spanish and French. In 1989 he earned a master's degree in counseling at Seattle University, and continued until his death as a member of the counseling staff at Bellarmine. Jim loved the theater, and during his tenure at Bellarmine oversaw technical production for the award-winning drama department. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, biking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing with friends and family. A highlight of his hiking career was his nine-day completion of the Wonderland Trail - a 93-mile circuit of Mt. Rainier. Jim had an abiding interest in Northwest Native American art, and executed several challenging paintings and carvings in faithful respect of this tradition. Jim and Donna have remained active members of St. Leo Church in Tacoma. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Irene and Edward Knudson and sister Gail Avakian. He is survived by his wife Donna Kling Knudson, son Joel Knudson (Tanicia Perry) of San Jose, CA, daughter Katia Knudson of Seattle, grandchildren Max and Samantha Perry Knudson, brother Gary Knudson (Martha Scoville) of Tacoma, and brother-in-law Mark Avakian of Rose Lake, ID. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. at St. Leo Church, 710 South 13th Street, Tacoma, Friday evening, February 18, 2011, followed by a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Leo Church on Saturday, February 19 at 11:00 a.m. Reception will follow at the Bellarmine Student Center, 2300 South Washington. Memorials may be sent to Bellarmine Preparatory School, 2300 S. Washington, Tacoma, WA, 98405, for the Jim Knudson Scholarship Fund. Please leave on-line condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Feb. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Jeanne Velling

March 13, 2011

My children and I send our condolences to you, on the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and importantly-a good role model. He will be greatly missed.

Mike Baldassin

March 9, 2011

Our prayers go out to the family of Jim Knudson. He was a friend and colleague at Bellarmine. All of us that knew Jim were impressed by his dedication to his family and his school. He cared about kids and their future. I am grateful for his guidance with my own children,,,,,they were lucky to know him. Jim was a man who had the courage to stand for his convictions, and we were all a little better because of it. Thank you Jim for your friendship. God bless, Mike Baldassin and family

Nathan Arnette

February 25, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.

The Uppal's

February 20, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Knudson family. Mr.K's service and support for me and the Bellarmine community will never be forgotten. He was an amazing person and always raised the spirits of the people around him. He will be missed dearly.

Fran Stredny

February 19, 2011

Dear Donna, Joel, Tanicia, Kate and Pat,
Long ago I met Donna and Jim in Alaska. They came as Jesuit Volunteers to share their spiritual energy, love of life, learning and musical talent with the children attending a catholic school in Fairbanks. As a fellow volunteer I was moved by their individual devotion and eventually their combined spiritual love. Donna, Pat and kids, please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and brother-in-law. I shall always remember Jim's words of wisdom during his battle with cancer. He said that he was counting the blessings he received because of his disease. Much love and continuous prayers for peace. Jim will always be a whisper away.

Erika Uhl

February 19, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Knudson touched so many lives and his legacy will live on in you and the many students that he taught. Erika and Greg Uhl

Sarah Fessler

February 18, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jim's. Also, everyone, who teaches at Bellarmine; I remember Mr. Knudson, but I don't think I had him, for a Teacher, when I was at Bellarmine.

God Bless the Knudson Family!!!! keep ALL the good memories in your heart today and forever.

Bonnie Briese

February 18, 2011

Dear Donna, Joel and Kate,
I had the privilege of meeting Jim just one time in my life here in Portland riding a bike on our beautiful bridges. He was such a sport riding with three crazy ladies. His photos said it all at the end of our ride. I will never forget that day or for that matter, will never forget Jim. He was a real gem of a man. My prayers go out to you all. Sincerely, Bonnie Briese

Patrick Carroll

February 18, 2011

Donna, Joel, Kate,
I have known and admired Jim since his senior year At Bellarmine--my first year there. His family and your presence at St. Leo enriched my life as it did the lives of so many others. I treasure his deep faith, his broad smile, his parental and husband's love for you all. I am sure his loss is one that will never be filled, but equally sure that his faith, and your hope will lead you to new places in life, new love, new laughter eventually. My prayers and hope for the three of you and all at St. Leo and Bellarmine who share in your loss. I will try to make the funeral, if possible.

Karen & Jim Schneller

February 18, 2011

Dear Donna, Joel, & Kate,
We were so terribly sad to hear that Jim had passed. We was a kind and gentle man. It was an honor to have known him. We are thinking of you and praying for you.

February 17, 2011

Dear Donna, Joel and Family, and Kate,
So sorry about Jim. He went through so much pain. I believe Daniel welcomed Jim with open arms into heaven and with Jesus and all Jim's relatives and friends a great celebration occurred. We only know that prayers surround us and help the pain to subside. We hug you tightly.
Love, Sharon and John Higgins

The Poole's

February 17, 2011

Our deepest sympathy on your loss - you are in our prayers and thoughts.

Suz

February 17, 2011

Donna, Joel, Kate, and PK, Jim could not have had a more loving family caring for him. We will all miss him so much. Love,

Jamala Bell

February 17, 2011

Sorry for your loss. Mr. Knudson was a wonderful and soulful teacher especially when it came to Shakespeare!!

Gina Mattsen-Graves

February 17, 2011

Many prayers of peace and comfort for your family.

The Johnson's

February 17, 2011

So sorry for your loss--wonderful man!! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Paul Cochran, SJ

February 17, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of loss. Jim was a wonderful colleague at Bellarmine Prep and friend at St. Leo's.

Bryan Pham SJ

February 17, 2011

Thoughts and prayers for you Donna, as well as Kate and the rest of the family during this very difficult time.

Al & Joanne Pfiffner

February 17, 2011

Dear Knudson Family,
Sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.

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1002 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405

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