James Burton Knapp, Lt.-Colonel (Retd)

It is with great sadness that we share the peaceful passing of Lt.-Colonel James Knapp (Retd), surrounded by his loving family on 26 Feb, 2021 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Jim was born in Perth, Ontario and lived in Ottawa where he graduated from Laurentian High School. He joined the military in 1962 where he first attended Royal Roads and the Royal Military College, graduating in 1967.

Most careers in the armed forces come with travel and adventure and his was no exception. After graduation, while in Shilo, Manitoba, he met and married the love of his life, Karen Hearn, in 1970, and they spent the next 25 years travelling the world together on a wide variety of postings with their two boys along for the ride. From Germany to Israel, Cyprus, and Syria, and many locations in Canada, it seemed like they were always on the go. Throughout his career Jim held many command positions in the artillery, including 2IC of 2RCHA, as well as commanding the RCA Battle School in Shilo. Taking on UN postings led him to adventures in the Middle East and Cyprus. He loved soldiering and was immensely proud of his service.

Jim finally retired at the age of 50, and he and Karen settled in Berwick, Nova Scotia. Not content to fully retire, he came out of retirement to work for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the Netherlands and at the Pearson Peacekeeping center before retiring again to the North Mountain just above Berwick.

Jim was the classic officer and gentleman, and a fascinating man of many different interests and passions. He was a runner, having completed several marathons, and an avid cross-country skier. He loved dogs, the mountains, the Maritimes and foraging for mushrooms! He was a lover of the great outdoors, of hiking and camping and travelling. He loved to cook (pepper steak was his specialty) and was known to enjoy a “wee dram” on any occasion. You could usually find Jim in the garage, boiling lobsters or maple syrup (depending on the season). He loved gardening, and everywhere he lived plants flourished! He was a good friend to all and had a love of meeting new people, no matter where he went. He loved to be part of the community, always lending a helping hand or organizing events. A lover of music, Jim was always heard singing in the house. Later in life, he joined the choir and learned to play the guitar. Above all, Jim was a loyal friend to many, a loving father to Chris and Tim, a wonderful grandfather to Lara, Sarah, Aaron, Peter and David, and was a faithful loving husband to Karen.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Karen, his two sons Chris and Tim, daughters-in-law Marie-Josee and Jacqueline, his sister Nancy Viau and brother-in-law Pierre, his five grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, his cousin Faye and many friends all over the world.

Jim will be sorely missed but he will always be in our hearts.

Ubique