James W. Knowles, Sr.

James W. Knowles, Sr.

October 1, 1931 – December 21, 2022

Private family service.

To view the service, visit www.heafeyheafey.com after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27th.

Memorials are suggested to Creighton Prep.


James W. Knowles passed away on December 21, 2022, due to Alzheimer’s disease. He was 91 years old. He was not only born and raised in Omaha but spent his entire life here, save for college and military service. He attended St. Margaret Mary Elementary School, Creighton Prep High School, Creighton University, and St. Louis University.

He was a trial attorney who practiced for 40 years. His two sons, Jim and Bob, joined his law practice in the 1980s. Four of his grandchildren now practice law in the family firm. He was immensely proud of the attorney’s legacy.

When his boys were young, he coached little league baseball and carted his sons to many local sporting events, including Omaha Royals baseball games, Omaha Knights hockey games, and Creighton basketball games.

He absolutely loved thoroughbred horse racing and baseball. For decades, he spent countless afternoons at Ak-Sar-Ben Race Track. And for many years, he would spend several weeks each summer in San Diego betting horses at Del Mar Race Track and attending Padres baseball games. Las Vegas in the fall and Miami in the winter were other favorite destinations.

Jim is survived by Birdie, his wife of 47 years; 4 children: children: Nancy E. Knowles (Tony Keber), James W., Jr. (Rjean), Robert M. (Maria), Karen M. Knowles; and 11 grandchildren: Tony Keber Jr., Matt Knowles (Alicia), Stacey Patterson (Roy), Ben Knowles (Kate), Christina Knowles, Bobby Knowles (Claire), Elaina Lacy (Jordan), Kristen Hurd (Joe), Joel Kersch, Allison McLendon (Chris), and Conner Kersch. He was predeceased by one grandson, Michael Knowles. He was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren.

4 Comments

  • Paul and Beth Dunn Posted December 23, 2022 12:21 pm

    Paul and I are very sorry and sad to hear the news of Jim’s passing. I worked for Jim and his partner Renne Edmunds for ten years and then Jim, Jr. and Bob who joined the firm later on. It was a great firm to work for and I have a lot of fond memories. He will be greatly missed.

  • Kim Johannsen Posted December 27, 2022 9:32 pm

    Birdie. And family, we are so very sorry about Jim’s passing. You were a very special couple.He is watching over all of you now. So very sorry
    Randy & Kim Johannsen

  • Marian Bogard Posted January 2, 2023 1:13 pm

    Hi Birdie,
    Many loving thoughts and prayers coming your way.
    May he rest in peace.
    Marian

  • James M Decker Posted March 9, 2023 11:07 pm

    You don’t have to like someone to care about them. I looked up to Jim and wanted to be like him. I wanted to be a part of something but never quite understood why it couldn’t happen. No doubt we both have regrets but when it was all said and done I love the guy for what he did and forgive him for what he couldn’t do. God is my father and he loves me and I love him.

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