James S. Knous Sr., 77, Celina, died at 8:50 a.m. July 18, 2013, at The Gardens of Celina.

He was born Aug. 20, 1935, in Van Wert, to Clifford and Stella Gallimore Knous. On March 13, 1954, in Portland, Ind., he married Jacqueline R. Hoselton, who survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Peggy (Brad) Hull of Celina, two sons, James S. (Nikki) Knous Jr. of Celina and David (Sharon) Knous of Celina; a daughter, Stacy (Kevin) Germann of Council Bluffs, Iowa; four sisters, Louise Long of Indianapolis, Ind., Inez Jacobs of St. Marys, Julia Huff of St. Marys and Joyce (Jim) Scherer of New Carlisle; four brothers, Simon (Myrtle) Knous of St. Marys, Lloyd (Pat) Knous of Decatur, Ind., Paul (Pat) Knous of St. Marys and Charlie (Carol) Knous of St. Marys; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Donald Knous, Allen "Bud" Knous and Wesley Knous; and a sister, Evelyn Sorensen.

He was a 1954 graduate of Memorial High School in St. Marys. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, having served during the Korean War. He retired from Avco New Idea in Coldwater, where he was employed as a steam-fitter. He also maintained licensure as a plumber, working for Kessler Builders in Celina for many years. In 1973, he founded Knous Lawn Care of Celina. He was a member of Mt. Tabor Church of God. His favorite pastimes included fishing and riding motorcycles. He also enjoyed singing and yodeling. Above all, he was very proud of and extremely supportive to his family members.

Services are 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, West Chapel, in St. Marys, the Rev. Richard Van Horn officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens near Moulton.

Calling is 12-2:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Mt. Tabor Church building fund or Haiti Missions fund.

Condolences may be left at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.