James C. Knierim, 85, of Oregon, OH passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2012 surrounded by his family at home. Jim was born in Toledo, Ohio on April 22, 1926 to Carl and Clara (Draheim) Knierim and married Virginia Barva on March 2, 1957. He graduated from Woodward High School in 1944 and went to BGSU where he graduated in 1948. 'œGentleman Jim' Knierim taught and coached at Woodward High School for 33 years until his retirement in 1984. He was the head basketball coach at Woodward for 18 years. He loved Woodward High School and enjoyed the many friendships he gained through his years of teaching and coaching. He also was an assistant basketball coach at BGSU for 3 years under Harold Anderson. Jim was a member of the Woodward Hall of Fame, Toledo City League Hall of Fame and the BGSU Hall of Fame where he earned 11 letters in football, basketball and baseball. Jim was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1947. He was a past commissioner of the Great Lakes League and was a member of the Oregon Recreation Board. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph and sister, Gladys Lenhart. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Virginia; son Karl J. (Kim); daughter, Karen J, (Roger) Shambaugh and Amy L. (Dean) Dilzell; grandsons, Evan, Peter and Audrey Shambaugh; Eric and James Dilzell and Ryan and Ross Knierim. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul'™s Episcopal Church 798 S. Coy Rd. Oregon, OH on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 6:00 pm. and where his family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Donations may be given to St. Paul'™s Episcopal Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. The Knierim family would like to extend a special thank you to those at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially Jessica, for their expert care. Arrangements are being handled by the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Homes.