James Knapp

Died unexpectedly Wednesday, October 17, 2018 during his morning swim. Jim was born July 7th, 1950, in South Haven, MI, was raised in Kalamazoo with his nine brothers and sisters and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1968. He attended Western Michigan University and University of Maryland. Jim served in the US Air Force and later founded I/Net, Inc., a Kalamazoo-based pioneer in the areas of digital imaging, voice recognition, multimedia, and natural language. Later, as a Cayman resident and a long-time green energy advocate, Jim served as the director of Endless Energy, a local alternative energy company. Jim had a passion for technology and a variety of other topics. If you were lucky enough to know him, you experienced that excitement with and through him. He loved the Cayman lifestyle, the local pubs and the beach. Jim will be remembered for that welcoming smile for family and friends. A unique individual, Jim will be long-missed by many. Jim was the son of Keith M. Knapp Sr. and Rita K. (Tormey) Knapp. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 36 years, Judy L. VanLiere, and his siblings including Joanne Christine (Dr. James) Carow, Keith (Patricia Petty) Knapp, Alice (Robert) Lapekas, Margaret (Stephen) Fleckenstein, Mary Knapp, Dana (Cyndi) Knapp, Amy (Paul) Bertoldi and sister-in-law, Marilyn Knapp-Szatkowski. Of course there are very many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, John Knapp and Mark Knapp. In memory of Jim, Judy and the Knapp family welcome friends to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 10th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Delta Hotel by Marriott, 2747 S. 11th St., Kalamazoo MI where you are welcome to share memories.