James Louis Knoche

James "Jim" Louis Knoche, age 79, of Ocean Springs, MS passed away on June 29, 2008 in Biloxi, MS. Born on July 1, 1928 in Paola, KS; he was the only child of Louis and Ruby Deliah (McDill) Knoche. He graduated from Paola High early to serve in the military. James and Norma Jean Spicka were married on June 3, 1956 in Friend, NE; and a daughter, Vona Lynn, was born in July of 1964. The couple lived in Friend, NE for fifty years and became residents of Ocean Springs since November of 2005. Staff Sergeant Knoche was a Veteran in the Army Air Corp and United States Air Force. Prior to that he served in the Kansas National Guard. A retired welder with the Saline County Bridge Crew in Nebraska, he also had worked with Rothmeyer Welding in Friend, NE. James attended the Colorado School of Trades and obtained certification in Gunsmithing. He was an avid hunter and fisherman in his leisure time. His organization affiliations included: ZCBJ/WFLA-Saline Center Lodge #389, I.O.O.F., and the Saline County Historical Society in Nebraska. Mr. Knoche was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ruby Knoche. Survivors include his wife of fifty two years, Norma Knoche of Ocean Springs; daughter and son-in-law, Vona and Greg Wawryszczuk and grandsons, Andre and Alexander Wawryszczuk all of Ocean Springs. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2008 in Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Saline County Historical Society, In care of Judith K. Rada, 561 County Road S, Tobias, NE, 68453. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements. View and sign obituary at www.bradfordokeefe.com.