TRAVERSE CITY - James "Jim" Dale Knudsen Sr., 83, of Traverse City, passed at Grand Traverse Pavilions, on April 6, 2018. Jim was born on April 16, 1934 in Lake Leelanau, to Arthur and Mildred (Poertner) Knudsen.
Jim graduated from Leland High School and was a varsity basketball letterman. He enrolled in Survey School and was later employed several years with Easling Construction.
He married Judith "Judy" E. Scott on July 29, 1960 in Leland and the couple celebrated 56 years of marriage together, living in Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay and later Traverse City.
Jim enjoyed road trips to the U.P. with Judy, and watching Lions Football on TV, woodworking, latch hooking, puzzles, and jokes. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland then moved to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Interlochen.
He is survived by his children; daughter, JoAnn (John) Hulett of Colorado Springs CO, Jan (Ken) Sabins of Traverse City, Julie (Ex-Jim) Bratman; son, Jim (Jennifer) Knudsen of Travers City; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife Judy (July 1, 2016); brothers, Arthur Jr. (Kitty) Knudsen, Ken (Jeanie) Knudsen, Lynnwood Knudsen, John (Hank) Knudsen; sister, Kathleen (Emmerson) Haeussler; and his beloved dog Red.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 11 a.m. with visitation held one hour prior at 10 a.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Interlochen. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at East Leland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Jim's name may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1896 Rogers Rd. Grawn, MI 49637.
The family would like to extend a Thank You to: Grand Traverse Pavilions, Hospice of Traverse City, and Munson Trauma Team.
Please share your thoughts and memories with Jim's family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.