S. James Knickerbocker, 71, of 220 Ohio Street, died Friday, March 21, 2003 at Luther Hospital. He was born in Eau Claire on February 1, 1932, the son of Solomon "Sam" and Lucille (Keegan) Knickerbocker. Jim graduated from St. Patrick's High School with the class of 1951. He entered the United States Marine Corps on March 21, 1952 and was honorably discharged on March 11, 1954.\r\nJim married Mary D. O'Gordon on June 2, 1956 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire.\r\nHe was the third generation of Knickerbocker Carpet Services which has continued as a family business for over 50 years.\r\nJim formerly coached football and basketball at St. Patrick's Elementary School and enjoyed playing fast pitch softball with his Knickerbocker Carpet sponsored team. He was also formerly a member of the Chippewa Valley Gem and Mineral Society.\r\nJim enjoyed watching his children's sporting events and activities as they grew up. He then was thrilled to become a grandpa and became his grandchildren's biggest fan. Jim enjoyed hiking, biking, gardening, traveling and all time spent with his family.\r\nHe is survived by his wife, Mary; and their three sons and daughter, Joseph (Marlee) and their children Aaron, Andrew and Kate of Eau Claire, James (Mary) and their daughter, Ellie of Eau Claire, Jean (Joe) McCance and their daughter, Keegan of Madison, and Jon of Eau Claire; two brothers, Tom (Marge) of Eau Claire and Jerry (Patti) of Sun City West, AZ; two sisters, Gretchen (Derold) Lowe of Madison and Jean (Joe) Zank of Houston, TX; and many nieces and nephews.\r\nJim was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Juliana Knickerbocker; and three sisters, Dorothy Hays, Mary Berg and Carol Patterson.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2003 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church with Father John A. Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery where VFW Post #305 will conduct military graveside honors. Family and friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and an hour prior to services Monday at the church. There will be a 5:30 p.m. Prayer Vigil Sunday at the funeral Home.

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