JAMES LAVERNE “BRUISER” KNOUS

James Knous

James Laverne “Bruiser” Knous, 85, of Rushville died at 8:29 a.m. Dec. 3, 2014, at his residence.

He was born Jan. 8, 1929, in Bainbridge Township, Schuyler County, a son of John Henry and Lula Lashbrook Knous. He first married Anna Mae Boyd on Oct. 25, 1956, in Rushville. She preceded him in death on May 28, 1983. He later married Mary Frances Shoopman Thompson on March 28, 1992. She preceded him in death on Oct. 29, 2012.

Surviving are three sons, Douglas (and Jill) Knous of Lawrenceville, Ga., Scott (and Ruth) Thompson of Ames, Iowa, and Mark (and Lori) Thompson of Augusta; two daughters, Candy (and Jon) Ackman of Rushville and Jan Thompson of O’Fallon; one sister, Ethel Davis; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Richard, Homer, Lloyd and Charles Knous; and four sisters, Hildreth, Carrie, Helen and Pauline.

He graduated from Rushville High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

After returning home, he worked for Mickleberrys in Rushville and Oscar Meyer in Beardstown. He started a restaurant, Kozy Korner in 1963, and operated it for more than 25 years. He later started Bruiser’s Concession Wagon he operated at local fairs and events. He was simultaneously employed by State of Illinois for 10 years until retiring in 2000.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday at St. Rose Catholic Church in Rushville with Father Anthony Bernas officiating. Burial was in Rushville City Cemetery with Military Honors by a U.S. Navy Funeral Honors detail and Schuyler American Legion Post #4. Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Rose Catholic Church or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 12/10/2014