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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to |
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a close with the passing of U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) |
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James D. Kniker of San Antonio on December 24, 2022, at the age of |
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85; and |
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WHEREAS, A native of Seguin, Jim Kniker was born on December |
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2, 1937, to Theodore Kniker and Alice Steger, and he grew up with |
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three brothers, Ted, Charles, and Kenn; he was president of his |
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graduating class at Seguin High School, and he continued his |
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education at The University of Texas at Austin, where he received a |
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math degree and worked with the Texas Longhorns under the |
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leadership of Coach Darrell Royal; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Kniker served for 23 years in the U.S. Air Force |
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as an aerial navigator; he was an electronic warfare officer on |
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Vietnam tours and on Operation Arc Light bombing missions; his |
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medals included the Distinguished Flying Cross for the exceptional |
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skill he demonstrated during a flight on the wave lead aircraft; on |
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a mission programmed against a high priority target belonging to a |
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hostile government, his knowledge and use of electronic |
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counter-measures aided in successfully defending the aircraft and |
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wave against hostile weapons systems and assured the completion of |
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the mission by all aircraft; and |
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WHEREAS, Following the Vietnam War, Mr. Kniker obtained a |
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master's degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University; |
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he later served in NATO Allied Forces Central Europe warfare |
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development, and he became a multinational military educator, |
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helping to enhance war-fighting readiness; moreover, he taught at |
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the Air War College and played a vital role in the integration of |
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computers in professional military education; he retired from the |
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air force at the rank of lieutenant colonel, and he subsequently |
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worked for a defense contractor in the private sector; and |
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WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Kniker enjoyed the love |
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and support of his wife, Christine, and he took great pride in his |
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children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; he was known for |
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his wonderful sense of humor, and he touched the lives of those |
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around him with his gentle and caring spirit; and |
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WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family and his country, Jim |
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Kniker earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were |
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privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel |
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(Ret.) James D. Kniker and extend heartfelt condolences to the |
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members of his family: to his wife, Christine Richman; to his |
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children, Alison, Chris and his wife, Catherine, Kimberly, Kathy, |
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Nanette, and Tommy; to his grandchildren, Desiree and her husband, |
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Derek, Caitlin, Hannah, Brian, and Rebecca; to his |
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great-grandchildren, Foster and Hattie; and to all others who mourn |
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his passing; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of |
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Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of |
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Jim Kniker. |