Paul "Jim" Knotts, Jr.

Paul "Jim" Knotts, Jr., 63, of Champaign County, peacefully passed away with his family at his side on Thursday, June 23, 2016. He was born June 1, 1953 in Springfield, the son of Paul J. and Wilma (Walker) Knotts, Sr. Jim was a 1971 graduate of Northwestern High School, enlisted in the Air National Guard, and earned his Bachelor Degree in Political Science at Wright State University. He worked at Kissell Company for fourteen years, then Controx, and was currently employed by MSC Industrial Supply in Dayton. Jim had a wide range of interests, he enjoyed woodworking and making furniture, traveling in the British Isles and was a movie buff. Jim had an encyclopedic knowledge of music and had worked as a D J on WYSO Radio. Jim was known by family and friends as a man who was always willing to listen to you and help solve problems. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years Jan (Haley) Knotts; his daughter Ashley Nicol Knotts of Portland, OR; brother Steven Lee Knotts of Springfield; stepmother Ann Knotts of Centerburg, OH; step sisters Donna Borders and LouAnn Thompson; step brother David Borders; two nieces Bethany Allen of Springfield and Brittani Leigh Cute of San Diego, CA; nephew Dylan James Knotts of Indian Lake; brothers-in-law Russell (Donna) Haley and David (Brenda) Haley; sister-in-law Theresa (Terry) Gregory; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins; special friends Don and Alice Layborne, Cole Van Schoyck, Judy Hoy, Bill and Cathy Flint and Chris Guyton. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 PM. in the RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME. The service to honor Jim’s life will be Wednesday at 11:00 AM. in the Memorial Home. In lieu of flowers the family would like contributions to be made to the American Cancer Society. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.