Tularosa, New Mexico: James Knapp, formerly of Bellville, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 23, 2026. He was 81.
He was born on September 2, 1944 in Mansfield, Ohio to Leroy and Larona Knapp. Growing up in the area Jim graduated from Mansfield Senior High School before proudly serving in the United States Army. No stranger to hard work, he retired from the Steel Mill after many years as an electrician.
On August 2, 1998, Jim married the love of his life, Kathy McConachie, in Sturgis, South Dakota, and together they shared countless adventures, memories, and laughter together.
Jim embraced life with an adventurous spirit and a heart full of enthusiasm. He found his greatest freedom on the open road, riding his motorcycle across the country and making memories on countless travels throughout the United States. At home, he found equal joy in caring for and riding his horses, and he rarely missed the thrill of a good flat track race. Jim cherished his weekly trips to the pool hall, where friendly competition and laughter with his buddies became a treasured routine. A devoted animal lover—especially when it came to dogs—Jim had a natural way of making both people and animals feel at ease. Gifted with the “gift of gab,” he never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to turn chance encounters into lasting friendships, leaving a memorable impression everywhere he went.
He is survived by his loving wife Kathy, daughter Amy (Richard) Davis, brothers-in-law Shawn McConachie, Neal (Sandy) McConachie, Kevin McConachie, and Kelly McConachie, grandchildren Drake (Anna) Davis, Raven (Nathan) Ulrey, Mackenzie Harvey, McKayla Harvey, Taylor Fowler, Rileigh Roberts, and Rowdy Roberts, great-grandchildren Elijah Davis, Leo Ulrey, Hikari Ulrey, Karsen Conlley, Paisley Conlley, and Kaden Conlley, and special friends Bob Palm, Al Fischer, and Nick Kunz.
In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by daughters Kirstin Knapp, Tammy Harvey, and Cherokee Smith, mother and father-in-law Richard “Keith” and Helen McConachie, and his beloved dog Gizmo.
Friends may call from 4 to 6 pm on Monday, June 1, 2026 in the Snyder Funeral Homes, Bellville/Butler Chapel. Following the calling hours, military honors will be performed in Jim’s honor at the Bellville American Legion.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Jim’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Bellville Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com