James H. "Jim" Knecht

Rosewood Heights: James H. “Jim” Knecht, 69, passed away at 10:45am on Thursday, January 25, 2018, in the emergency room at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on September 18, 1948, in Highland, Illinois, the son of Elaine (Rinkel) Knecht of Edwardsville and the late Howard Knecht. He married the former Vida Best on April 3, 1970, in Edwardsville, and she survives. Other survivors include two sons: Timothy Knecht and his companion: Kimberly Moran of Bear, Delaware, Scott Knecht and his wife: Christine of Edwardsville, three grandchildren: Austin Knecht, Jake Sill, Andrew Sill, three sisters and brothers in law: Caryl and Ed Piper of Edwardsville, Rita and Don Molitor of St. Peters, Missouri, Lela and Randy Thompson of Edwardsville, a brother in law: Ron Chlibec of Glen Carbon, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. Jim was formerly a self - employed farmer, owned and operated Knecht Excavating, and later was employed by the United States Postal Service as a rural carrier in Edwardsville. He was a member of the Edwardsville Masonic Lodge #99 A.F. & A.M. and the Edwardsville Moose Lodge #1561. He loved watching and tracking the weather, his dogs Patches and Johnny, and bowling. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by a sister: Norma Jean Chlibec. In celebration of his life, memorial visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Monday, January 29, 2018, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Memorials are suggested to the 5A’s or the Shriners Hospitals for Children and will be accepted at the funeral home.