James M. Kniskern

James M. Kniskern, age 95, of Newark, DE, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020. James is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Betty H. Kniskern, who passed away earlier this year. He is survived by their three children, Timothy, Jennifer and Jonathan; and beloved grandson, Jonny.

Born on August 13, 1925, in Syracuse, NY, he was the son of the late Warren H. and Ruth M. (Miers) Kniskern. James served in the Navy during World War II and later graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in chemical engineering. He joined Westvaco Paper Co. in Covington, VA, where he met his wife, Betty. James later transferred with his family to Westvaco’s Folding Carton Division in Newark, DE. Over the years of his career, he pursued new technologies in waste water treatment, quality control, product development, in addition to recruiting and training college graduates. Even after his retirement from Westvaco, James returned to the Covington, VA mill to serve as an instructor of training seminars for customers visiting America from all over the world.

He was a lover of the outdoors and could often be found walking and hiking in White Clay Creek State Park where he also served as a volunteer in the nature center. James enjoyed fishing, golfing and tinkering with electronics. He was an active member of the Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church and The Newark Senior Center.    

A private family service will be held at Bethel Cemetery in Chesapeake City, MD where he will be interred.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Newark Senior Center, 200 White Chapel Dr., Newark, DE  19713, Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, PO Box 9734, Newark, DE  19714-9734 or The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, VA  22203-1606.