The Reverend James "Jim" Allen Knuth, died peacefully in his sleep Friday morning, January 22,
2021 at his home in Woodstock, Georgia, at the age of 79.
Jim was a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend.
He served as Pastor for many congregations throughout his life, and Chaplain in the Air National
Guard. Although his heart ultimately succumbed to end-stage congestive heart failure, it was
overflowing with love, kindness, generosity and joy. He had a great love for connecting with people
and blessed everyone he encountered with his love and compassion.
A beloved friend and pastor to many, Jim provided support and guidance to people of all ages and
cultures. His spirit of unconditional love, unswerving faith and love for the Lord, along with his sense
of humor and beautiful voice infused his ministry with inspiration, faith, and hope. His hobbies were
gardening, reading, athletics, playing cards, and being with family and friends. He was a fierce and
avid Wisconsin Badger fan. During the time of quarantine due to COVID-19, he treasured
connecting with his friends on Zoom every week. His gifts were many, and one of his most precious
talents was making everyone he met feel at home and important. He had the innate ability to
connect authentically with those around him, and he truly cared about the people in his presence.
He was compassionate, helpful, and was a true servant of Christ.
Jim was born to Fernest and Martha (Gallert) Knuth on June 7, 1941 in St. Joseph, Michigan, who
preceded him in death. He was the third oldest among eleven children, one of whom preceded him
in death.
At age 14, Jim left home to attend preparatory school at Concordia High School in Milwaukee,
continuing to Concordia University. His university athletic accomplishments were often featured in
the local newspaper, and he was awarded varsity athlete of the year as a freshman. Jim finished his
B.A. at Concordia Senior College, followed by Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO in 1963,
graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1967.
Jim's first role as a Pastor was in 1967 at Trinity and Grace Lutheran Churches in Bear Creek,
Wisconsin. In 1970, he developed a mission congregation in Two Rivers, WI. He rose to Senior
Pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Madison, in the heart of the University of Wisconsin campus
from 1974-1987, a multiple staff ministry to UW students. His vigor for creating an atmosphere of
celebratory and interactive worship helped him to build up the struggling congregation to over 500
members. He had a lasting impact on many of the college students he interacted with; several of
whom switched majors to become Pastors themselves because of his dynamic and inspiring
influence.
From 1979 through 2001, Jim served as Base Chaplain for the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison and
later the 203rd Fighter Wing at the Norfolk, Virginia Air National Guard. He served 29 years in the
reserve support, providing active duty and short term duties in Portugal, Greenland, Germany,
Egypt, and Cuba. He often said "I don't bless bombs or baptize bullets." Jim received the
commendation medal for meritorious service, the St. Martin of Tours medal. He retired as
Chaplain/Lt. Colonel.
Jim served over three years as Chaplain at a Wisconsin maximum security prison beginning in
1988, providing counseling and support for prisoners. In 1991, he was called to be the Senior
Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Durham, North Carolina, where he made many lasting
friendships and connections. He served at Grace until he "retired" in 2008.
Not one to be idle, Jim continued to serve two vacancy churches after his retirement, after which he
joined part-time on the pastoral team at Resurrection Lutheran Church, in Cary, NC. In 2017, due
to his progressing congestive heart failure, he finally retired for good and celebrated 50 years of
inspired and dedicated ministry. Jim and Connie moved to the Atlanta area in 2018, where two of
their daughters live.
Jim is survived by his strong and beautiful wife Constance "Connie" (Rueter) Knuth, his four adoring
children: Christa Callen (Andy), James "Jim" Knuth, (Becca), Cathy Yonaitis, (Matt), and Corrie
Knuth Howard; and nine grandchildren: Zachary, Angela and Max Callen; Jolie Knuth; Elijah, Jonah
and Sammy Yonaitis; and Norah and Bennett Howard.
Jim's love for family, friends, congregational members and other loved ones was a blessing to all
who knew and loved him, and his passing is a grieved loss. Ever the provider, he leaves with us the
comforting and thoughtful message: "I am taking you with me in my heart."
Memorial services announcements are forthcoming - both virtual and in person at Resurrection
Lutheran Church in Cary, NC in the Spring or Summer as circumstances allow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to the following organizations. For those that choose to
donate online, please make a note: "In memory of (Pastor) Jim Knuth."
Resurrection Lutheran Church
https://bit.ly/2MarmWb
100 W. Lochmere Dr
Cary, NC 27518

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue
http://hbpr.org/donate.html
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue
215 Wishon Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
(706) 698-4663