James Robert Kniskern
James “Jim” Kniskern, age 88, passed away peacefully on Oct. 31, 2026, surrounded by loving family.
He was born on Dec. 9, 1937, in Schenectady, N.Y., and was raised in Cobleskill, N.Y.
Growing up, he was involved in Boy Scouts and had the opportunity to attend the 1953 Boy Scout Jamboree in California.
He attended Cobleskill High School and graduated in 1955. While in high school, he participated in a variety of sports, including track, basketball and cheerleading. He enjoyed working at Howe Caverns as a tour guide during high school.
He then went on to attend college at Columbia University in New York City and graduated with a degree in history in 1959. He was a member of the Delta Phi fraternity during his time there. He met his wife, Joann, at a college party. After he graduated, they got married in Butler, Pa., on July 25, 1959.
After marrying, they lived in Ashtabula, Ohio, and had their first daughter. They then settled in Chardon, Ohio, in 1968 and, later, welcomed their second daughter in 1974. From there on, the family continued to grow.
Jim worked for the IRS in the audit department and eventually developed his career at the Navy Federal Finance Center in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked until the late 1990s.
In his later years, he enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his family, many friends and kept himself busy with groups and activities. He became a member of the local Chardon Kiwanis, where he met his group of “Jim’s.” He played pinochle, bridge and mahjong with friends and teams. He loved to play pool at his pool table with friends and family. He volunteered at Geauga Hospital. He was also a frequent at the Chardon McDonald’s, where he had a group of friends and was known as the “celebrity.” He always loved to brag that they would have his coffee or chocolate shake ready for him when he walked in the door.
Jim enjoyed singing, he had a deep voice and loved to sing 50s love songs. He would proudly sing in church, to his grandchildren, and to all the tellers at his local bank on their birthday.
He was a man of faith, a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chardon, Ohio, for many years and converted to the Catholic faith in 2009.
For most of his life, Jim was an avid bowler and was a part of many leagues. He attended tournaments and won various trophies throughout the years. He was a dedicated fan of many sports, especially football and baseball. He followed the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians/Guardians religiously. He could tell you a sports statistic, from memory, from 30 years ago. He loved to collect pens, baseball cards and stamps.
His biggest accomplishment of all, was his large family. His family meant everything to him. He would always say that becoming rich or traveling didn’t mean anything to him because he had the privilege of having a large, loving family. He got the honor of being a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He became known to his great-grandchildren as “Poppi.”
Jim enjoyed almost 60 years of marriage with his wife. Even after losing his daughters and granddaughter suddenly, he and Joann poured their love into continuing to raise the next generations of the family. He was always full of love, life and strength. He was intelligent. He helped to raise generations of family. He was someone you could always count on, someone who was always there with love and no judgement; with help to offer and encouragement to give.
He was an amazing storyteller and a great listener. He always had such funny and interesting stories to tell, and the way he would tell them would keep your attention. He could stir up conversation with anyone.
He loved to help others in need whenever possible. He was a bright light to be around, with his smile, laughter and joy. Through all of life’s turmoil, he kept his kind and caring nature. He was a friend to all, was loved by all and will be deeply missed.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joann Kniskern; his daughters, Cindy Cavaliere and Jennifer Kniskern; granddaughter Felina Cavaliere; grandson-in-laws, Dennis Leo Tomcany and Kenneth Zappitelli; and his parents, David Kniskern and Doris (Tucker) Kniskern; as well as many friends.
He is survived by his grandchildren Maria Tomcany-Zappitelli, Joanna (Gary) Tomcany, Cory (Kim) Tomcany, Taylor Tomcany (Bryce), Deven Tomcany, Nicholas Tomcany, Madison (Zach) Tomcany-King, Kaela Tomcany (Rylan), Kaitlin Tomcany (Alex) and Devyn Zappitelli; great-great-grandchildren, Chloee Tomcany, Allie Tomcany, Beckham Tomcany; siblings, Judy Bliven, Sally (Steve) Davis, Bruce (Chris) Kniskern; nieces and nephews, Dean (Jenni) Bliven, David (Arlene) Bliven, Joanie Davis, Jill Davis, Laura (Kevin) Dixon, Robin Kniskern Blum, Dyana Vick, Ed Yanovick, Kevin (Chris) Smith; great-nieces and great-nephews, Sammy, Elizabeth, Miles, Abigail, Mia, Anthony, Gabrielle, Abraham, Isabel, Jonah; and many, many dear friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at The Original Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 401 North St., Chardon. Interment will immediately follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Original Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
