James D. Knell, 96 of Battle Creek, MI, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 21, 2013. He was born on June 30, 1917, the son of Elmore Knell and Lottie (Molter)Knell.
Jim and his wife June graduated together from Lakeview High School and they received their degrees in Theology from Central Bible College in Springfield, MO. Jim was a tool & die maker at General Motors for over 30 years until retiring in 1979 and was a member of the UAW. He was an ordained minister where they pastured several churches in Ohio, founded the Charlotte Assembly of God, served in Phoenix, AZ and then as Senior Ministries pastor at First Assembly of God in Battle Creek.
Jim is survived Daughters – Joyce D. Leslie of Grand Blanc, MI and Judi (Aaron) Middleton of Perrysville, OH. He was preceded in death by his Wife June (Swarthout) Knell; his Parents and 2 infant sons.
Jim enjoyed keeping his yard and feeding the birds. He loved reading his Bible and Bible study. Jim and June loved to travel and visited all 48 contiguous states. He was very kind, witty and loved by his friends of all ages.
Visitation will be held at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 Dickman Road, on Sunday November 24th, 2013 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the Baxter funeral & Cremation Service on Monday, November 25, 2013, 11:30 am with Rev. Robert G. Muirhead and Pastor Mark Woodbury officiating.
Interment will take place in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials tributes may be made to: Charlotte Assembly of God