James Knoot

ROSE HILL — James "Jim" Knoot, 95, of Rose Hill, died Saturday, June 6, 2009, at the Pella Hospice Comfort House in Pella.  He was born Jan. 1, 1914, the son of James Adranus and Antoine Aalbers Knoot. Jim was a farmer his whole life. He started out helping his father on the farm.  On Nov. 21, 1934, he was united in marriage to Jennie Van Weelden near Rose Hill. Jennie died Feb. 14, 2006. He farmed on the family farm west of Oskaloosa until starting his own farm in 1934. In 1937, he bought a farm near Givin and farmed there until 1944, when they moved to their farm near Rose Hill. For a time, he had a dairy operation on his farm. Jim enjoyed a long-time partnership with Deane Morris offering each other help doing field work throughout the years. Jim retired from farming in 2002, but he continued to live on the farm. He was a member of Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa and was very active serving in many roles on the consistory, and teaching Sunday School for many years. He also served many years on rural school boards. He enjoyed raising Black Angus Cattle, and raised cattle until he was 88 years old. He also enjoyed working in the garden with Jennie and being a part of the Rose Hill Community. He delighted in spending time with his family.His family includes four sons and their wives: James Eugene "Gene" and Janice Knoot, of Knoxville, Kenneth Ray Knoot, of Oskaloosa, Robert Wesley and Sheila Knoot, of Cedar Rapids, and Marvin Randel and Julie Knoot, of New Sharon; a daughter-in-law: Connie Knoot, of Johnston; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a brother- and sister-in-law: Richard and Joyce VanWeelden, of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews.Besides his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Richard Dean Knoot; three brothers: Garret, Marion, and Anton Knoot; and a sister: Blanche Groenendyk.Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 10, at 2 p.m. at the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, with the Rev. Kevin Glesener officiating. There will be a family prayer service led by Gloria Nollen Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday after 11 a.m. and the family will be at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Tuesday from 6–8 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Central Reformed Church or Pella Hospice Comfort House.This obituary is viewable at www.legacy.com