James Willard Knisley

James Willard Knisley, 53, of Willow Springs, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

James was born in St. Joseph County, IN to Marcella Laverne Knisley and the late Robert Johnston Knisley.

James grew up in Florida where he earned an Associate Degree in Electronics Engineering from UEI. He moved to North Carolina where he had his first daughter, married the love of his life, Lynn, and had his second daughter through their union. He worked hard, had a strong work ethic, always providing for his family & believed no one is promised tomorrow. James loved fishing but enjoyed teaching & helping his daughters learn to fish the most, he loved boating & the beach and being outdoors. James & his wife were members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary where he enjoyed volunteering on missions. He was a man of many projects because he always needed to be busy. A few of of his mottos were “we would not have the good without the bad” and life is hard but we have to keep moving forward, and “I’m a father first and foremost”. His favorite poem was “Footprints in the Sand” by Mary Stevenson. Lastly, one of his favorite Bible verses was “absent from the body, present with the Lord” (II Corinthians 5:8).

James is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Lucy Lynn Knisley; mother, Marcy Knisley; children, Jessica Gramley (Tyler), Samantha Knisley of the home; brother, Ray Knisley (Jennifer); sisters, Cheri Boyles (Bill), Cathy Roland; brother-in-law, Scott Baker (Kim), nephews, Walter (Bailey), Justin, Joshua, Jacob, and Thomas; nieces, Grace and Lilah.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 2:00PM in the chapel of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529. The family will receive friends and family one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to Take a Kid Fishing, Inc. Take a Kid Fishing Inc. | Local Nonprofit | Youth Focused Mentoring | FL (takffl.com)