James “Jim” Lawrence Knoedler
James “Jim” Lawrence Knoedler, of Seabrook, TX passed into his larger life, surrounded by his family, on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, at the age of 76.
Jim is survived by his wife Britta Knoedler, also of Seabrook; his children, Col. Andrew (and wife Audra) Knoedler of Hanscom AFB, MA, Dr. Alicia Knoedler of Norman, OK and Kristen Knoedler of Seabrook, TX; his four grandchildren: Alexander, Matthew and Megan Knoedler and Anwen Wenger; and his brother Dr. Gerald Knoedler and his wife Janet, of Deluth, GA and their children Julie Rendleman (and husband Roger and daughter Annsley) and John Knoedler. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Alice Knoedler of Roswell, NM.
Jim grew up in Roswell, NM, as the son of a local grocer. His activities in Boy Scouts and Air Explorers led him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor and Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He met the love of his life, Britta, in Boston and they were married in 1962 before heading to Santa Monica where Jim started his engineering life with TRW. In 1965, they moved to Timber Cove as the U.S. built its team of engineers for the Space Race. Over the course of the next 46 years, Jim supported the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs with TRW, Lockheed, Rockwell International, and Boeing. He retired in 2011 along with the Space Shuttles.
Jim’s generosity appeared all over the local community. Active in the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts, he served as Explorer Post advisor, Cub Scout Den Leader, Troop 952 Scoutmaster, Philmont Crew Leader, Jamboree Scoutmaster, and finally as a Bayshore District Commissioner. His distinguished service to the Boy Scouts was recognized with a Silver Beaver award. If that wasn’t enough outdoor activities, he could be found on the pool deck in the summer as a referee/starter/judge for the Clear Creek Swim League or later in life volunteering as a board member at Armand Bayou Nature Center.
When he wasn’t volunteering, he could be found tinkering with classic Fords: Edsels, Thunderbirds, Mustangs, and Rancheros. When he needed a break from that, he would work on designing and building model train layouts and helping kids with their college applications as an MIT educational counselor.
Jim’s love of community and fellowship was best exemplified through his commitment and service within St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church. Jim was a verger at St. Thomas and also a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, two activities that were deeply meaningful as well as uplifting and enjoyable. Jim was also a Freemason and a member of the Scottish Rite.
Jim passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. The family thanks all who helped during his illness. He will be remembered as a generous and personable individual who positively affected so many throughout his life.
A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Nassau Bay, with a reception to follow. Father Mike Stone will officiate the ceremony.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be directed to Armand Bayou Nature Center (8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77507; http://www.abnc.org) and/or St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church (18300 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX 77058; http://www.sttaec.org).
I will miss you Jim. You were always a great role model for me as I was growing up and you had a huge impact on my life. Thanks and may God Bless You on your latest adventure.
Godspeed Mr Knoedler, the lessons you taught in Troop 952 shall continue with my own children. Thank you for what you gave.
Cheers,
Darin Maroni
Jim had a wonderful sense of humor, which he bantered about at every opportunity. I had known him for many, many years, and am very saddened at his passing. I have many fond memories of Jim, as I’m sure many do, and wish all the best to his family and his many friends.
Jim, thank you so much for all the wonderful advice and leadership on parenting and Scouting. Your thoughts on living and faith are priceless gems for not only me but my children too. I’m going to smile when I remember you and will think folks in heaven now have a source for prickly pear jelly. Godspeed my friend.
Dear Britta and the Jim Knoedler Family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Jim. I knew him from grade school at Washington Avenue thru graduation from Roswell High as a classmate and friend. What a generous person Jim was with all his endeavors to help mankind become the best they could be.
LeNora F. (Dean) Correia
RHS Class of 1957
I was looking up some people I knew in my college days at MIT. Jim and I were fraternity brothers. We also shared a very nice apartment outside Boston with Allen Ream and Andy Bulfer for one year. Jim and his wife Britta from Simmons College were very special people. Jim kept his Edsal car running for many years; it was rare to see an Edsal on the road in those days. He and I shared an interest in Model Trains; for me the interest was a Xmas tradition for years. I visited Jim and Britta in Houston when I worked for Bell Helicopter in Hurst Texas. Jim was a fixture with the Space Program for years when we began the effort to land on the Moon. America lost two wonderful people with the passing of both Britta and Jim. We all are poorer with their passing. May they Rest in Peace.