Obituary of James F. Knudson

James Frank Knudson, of State College, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully, Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the home he shared with his wife Kimberly. Jim was born in Charleston, WV on June 20, 1959, to Donald and Margaret Knudson. He was raised in Charleston, West Virginia graduating from South Charleston High School in 1977. He went on to study geology and computer science at West Virginia University earning degrees in both fields. Jim built a career in the emerging field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) working as a consultant in several private firms as well as holding positions with state government as the first Pennsylvania Geospatial Coordinator; and the Deputy State Chief Information Officer within the Office of Administration and the Department of Environmental Protection. Jim's valiant struggle with ALS is testament to his bravery. He had an adventurous spirit – indulging in a lifelong desire to scuba dive, sky dive and ride the fastest rollercoaster. Jim loved travel, a good book, fine food and wine, and his family. Always kind and caring, he was the consummate gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife Kim, Jim is survived by his father Don and wife Helen of Pensacola Beach, Florida; his mother Margaret of Charlotte, North Carolina; brother Charles, his wife Leigh and their three children of Charlotte, North Carolina; and brother Forest of Denver, Colorado. His extended family includes mother-in-law Jean Harris; brother-in-law Kelly Harris of State College, PA and brother-in-law Pat Harris and his wife Nancy of Mountaintop, PA. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at The Penn Stater Hotel, 215 Innovation Boulevard, State College, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's memory to The ALS Foundation, www.alsa.org/donate/ or Pets Come First, petscomefirst.net/donate. Arrangements are under the care of the Koch Funeral Home in State College. Condolences and remembrances can be shared at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.