GREENWOOD
James “Jim” Lance Knipp, 64, of Greenwood, IN passed away on Thursday night, January 18th, 2024 at Community South Hospital with the comfort of his wife, stepson, and close friend by his side.
Jim was born on March 4th, 1959, in Indianapolis, a son to the late Robert L. and Addie L. (Brown) Knipp. He married Lisa, his loving wife who provided the highest standard of love and care for him to the utmost degree, on April 29th, 2006.
Jim is a 1977 graduate of North Central High School.
Shortly thereafter his graduation from high school, Jim began his career that would later, unbeknownst to him at the time, bring him everlasting relationships that would ultimately last with him for the rest of his life.
Jim began working for Keystone Kawasaki in Indianapolis as a motorcycle technician, further developing his craft that he had self taught himself as a youth in the realm of mechanical prowess.
During this time of learning motorcycles from the inside out, Jim was simultaneously spring boarding his career and passion to the sport of motorcycle road racing. Jim approached this side of the two wheeled industry with the equal level of meticulousness and thoroughness as he did to his technical side, which cemented himself as a true technician and tactician among his fellow enthusiasts.
As Jim began building new friendships within the industry, he was introduced to the staff at the recently launched Greenwood Honda in 1980. Knowing that he was eager to continue to grow in his profession and passion, Jim soon began to work at the Honda shop which would become his second home for nearly three decades.
Jim did not look at this career move as a “job”. His time on the clock was met with great enthusiasm and he would often spend hours there, after hours, with his coworkers, friends, and customers to work on their own motorcycles and enjoy each others company. The shared time spinning wrenches and bench racing during those evening hours would plant the seed that would soon blossom The Superbike Factory, a racing team co-founded by Jim based out of the Honda shop.
Jim and his teammates piloted their machines to great success in the world of AMA Superbike racing and WERA National road racing, chalking up multiple race wins and championships along the way. This adventure took Jim and his friends to race as far as the coast of California, the beaches of Florida, and the plains of Wisconsin and Ohio with many venues in between. Jim also began earning his reputation as a leader and inspiration to those in the respective paddocks, whether they be a friend or stranger. Multiple online and magazine articles have cited Jim as being a mentor to aspiring road racers throughout the country, often times helping them tune and service their machines without the thought of accepting anything in return.
The crown jewel for Jim from his invested time within the motorcycle shop was meeting, befriending, and ultimately marrying his love, Lisa. Jim and Lisa became “Jim &Lisa”. Even after retiring from the two wheel oriented profession, they stay involved together with the industry and have continuously worked together to do what they loved and care for one another to the very end.
When Jim began to endure waning health, Lisa kept his spirits lifted and cared for him without wavering for a moment. Lisa stayed by his side and made him know that he will be eternally loved.
Jim left his legacy on friends and strangers, near and far and he will be celebrated for that. While his time here may be deemed too short by many, the quality of his life made for a great life, which we all shall take solace in.
It’s very important for all those who know and love Jim that his well known grace and poise was cemented to the end. As Jim neared his final breath, he did give his family and friends in the room a genuine peaceful smile before he passed on, assuring us who will carry him vicariously that his life of love and happiness was met in full completion.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother; Robert Knipp, Addie Knipp, and Robert “Bob” Knipp.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Lisa of Greenwood, IN, stepson Joey Wertzberger of Franklin, IN, brother Kerry (Pam) Knipp of Indianapolis, IN, sister Gloria (Ed) of Franklin, IN, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and lifelong friends.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the medical professional staff at Community South Hospital for the level of care and comfort provided.
Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home at 1977 S State Road 135 in Greenwood, IN on Thursday, January 25th, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with funeral services immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Garden, immediately adjacent to the funeral home.
After arriving through the entrance to Forest Lawn Memory Garden, turn right at the roundabout to arrive at the funeral home.
Godspeed, Jim.
