James A. Juknis

WEAVERVILLE, NC - Jim “JJ” Juknis formally of Barre passed away unexpectedly on Monday August 19, 2024.

Born on September 20, 1949, in Hartford CT, he was the eldest child of Stanley and Julia (Janson) Juknis.

Jim attended East Catholic High School in Manchester CT, graduating in 1967. He attended the University of Connecticut and Johnson State College in Vermont receiving a teaching degree. Jim began his career at Washington Village School in Vermont; Barre Town Elementary and Middle School in Websterville, VT was to follow in 1976. Jim went on to obtain a master’s degree, and after 30+ years in education, retired from Barre Town Elementary and Middle School in 2006.

In 2011, he and his wife, Karen relocated to Western North Carolina where Jim flourished as a naturally talented woodworker and gardener as well as an aspiring offshore fisherman and hunter - a true outdoorsman at heart.

Survivors include his daughters Jennifer (Juknis) Kretz and her husband, Evan of Nassau, NY and Kristin Juknis of Waterbury, VT; his brother Thomas Juknis and his sisters Jeanne Murphy, Joan Connors and her husband, Jim and Maggie Cooke as well as his brother-in-law John L. Franco, Jr.

He was predeceased by his parents and wife of 44 years Karen (Franco) Juknis.

Family and friends may call on Friday September 6, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.  Jim will be laid to rest in the Franco plot in Hope Cemetery in Barre at the convenience of his family. For a memorial guestbook, please visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com

In lieu of flowers, per Jim’s wishes a memorable contribution may be made to Defenders of Wildlife, National Headquarters, 1130 17th Street NW, Washington DC 20036, or www.https://defenders.org