James F. Knickmeyer

MADISON-James F. Knickmeyer, age 61, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, at home. He was born on July 19, 1951, the son of Wayne and Jean (Kelly) Knickmeyer. Jim graduated from Oregon High School in 1969, and received his bachelor’s degree from UW-Whitewater and his MBA from UW-Madison. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Shippee, on April 14, 1973. Jim worked for UW-Madison for 37 years culminating in his position as Associate Dean for Administration in the Graduate School. He was a true outdoorsman; he loved bow hunting (whitetail deer, moose and bear) as well as bird hunting with his beloved Springers. Jim expressed his love for his family and friends by organizing many hunting and fishing trips, as well as many fun family activities. He enjoyed sharing his love for the outdoors, especially with his grandchildren, even teaching them his moose calls. Jim enjoyed fishing at the cabin in Mercer, the great lakes, and Canada. He was a member of the Oregon Sportsmen’s Club. Jim also enjoyed traveling with Mary to Africa, Italy, and the Caribbean. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan, always cheering on Bucky and the Packers. James is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Adam (Nicole) Knickmeyer and their children, Ella and Ben; daughter, Jamie (Josef) Mueller and their son, James; mother, Jean Knickmeyer; brother, Bill (Donna) Knickmeyer; sisters-in-law, Zona (Maynard) Fahrney and Rita Vingum; brother-in-law, George Shippee (Kim); and he is further survived by nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; and nephew, Ryan. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Nature Conservancy, 633 W. Main Street, Madison, WI. 53703. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Nature Conservancy, 633 W. Main Street, Madison, WI. 53703. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012.