Salzburg, Austria. His parents eventually settled in Santa Rosa, California where Jim graduated from Montgomery High in 1961. Jim went on to attend college at his beloved A&M graduating in 1965 where he was a member of the Corp of Cadets. Jim spent the next twenty years serving in the US Army retiring in 1985 as a Lt. Colonel. Jim was very proud of his two tours of duty in Vietnam. Jim has a passion for law. He attended law school after retiring from the Army. While attending South Texas School of law he spent a year at Rutgers Law School. Jim Graduated from South Texas in 1987. Jim married the love of his life, Kay, on October 24, 1987 in Santa Rosa, CA. Jim and Kay built several successful law practices in California and one in Texas. In early 2006 Jim and Kay relocated to San Angelo to enjoy their ranch life; raising goats, cattle and chickens. Jim enjoyed horseback riding when he had time. Over the years they traveled extensively and made many great friends. Jim was very active in San Angelo and belonged to many organizations to include: President of the Boys and Girls Club Board, President of the Tom Green County Bar Association, San Angelo Aggie Club, San Angelo West Rotary, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Jim always wanted to return to Texas after attending A&M. He finally convinced Kay to move to Texas so he could retire from his law practices in California. Obviously retirement wasn't his goal as he started up a new practice in San Angelo. Jim enjoyed his time in Texas and had a very positive effect on many lives.
He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Kay Kneisler; son, James Kneisler III.; stepson, Curtis Kahnberg; stepdaughter, Christine Gibbs; and daughter, Ingrid Fallin; daughters-in-law, Heather Kahnberg and Samantha Kneisler; grandchildren, Camille and Ruby Kahnberg, Jameson Kneisler, Austin and Rick Fallin, and Sydney McClafferty; brother and sister-in-law, Ross and Jan Williams; sister, Sandy Mottard and her husband, Pat; and sister, Debbie Beebe; numerous nieces and nephews along with many many loving friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church, 32 North Irving, San Angelo, Texas 76903. In lieu of flowers, plants are preferred or a donation to the charity of your choice. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, send condolences and sign the online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home of San Angelo.