James Russell Knudson

James Russell Knudson, lovingly known as Jim, passed away on August 13, 2024, at the age of 80 at his home in Independence, MO. 

Jim is survived by Avis Knudson, his wife of 18 years, Jeff and Rich Knudson, his sons from his 30-year marriage with Mavis Knudson.

 An avid golfer, Jim will be sorely missed by his golfing buddies at Drumm Farm. 

Jim was born on October 27, 1943. He spent his childhood in Hettinger, ND, relocating with his mother Evelyn and younger brother Marvin to Billings, MT in his teens. He enlisted in the United States Army after high school. 

While on deployment in Vietnam, Jim served as a fuel and electric mechanic, earning the Bronze Star and gaining valuable experience in procurement and organization, which ultimately led to his study of engineering. In 1972, he graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman. He registered as a Professional Engineer in Idaho in 1977. 

Following graduation, Jim joined the Morrison-Knudsen Company where his engineering accomplishments spanned projects and positions in a number of US locations, including Montana, Idaho, Oklahoma, California, Ohio, Michigan, and Washington as well as projects in Saudi Arabia and the USSR. His final engineering/project management duties prior to retirement took place at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence. 

Jim served as an example to his sons in the value of kindness, empathy, humor, knowledge, responsibility, integrity, and leadership. Jeff and Rich will continue to honor their father with these same values.