James R. Knittle, 71, of Whitehall, died Dec. 19, 2022, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Colotta S. (Schramel) Knittle for 52 years.

He was a son of the late Earl and Mable (Bonser) Knittle.

He was a Northwestern Lehigh High School graduate.

He was a U.S. Army veteran stationed in Germany for most of his tour during the Vietnam War.

He was a machine operator for more than 39 years at Nestle Purina PetCare Company, South Whitehall.

He was a member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Whitehall.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, James A. of Whitehall, Crystal A. with Irlis Rapose of Bethlehem and Jeff A. with Catherine of South Whitehall; two grandchildren, Brandon I. Rapose and Tyler M. Rapose, both of Tampa, Fla.; and four siblings, Sandra White of Lehigh Furnace, David Knittle of Lansford, Dean Knittle of Slatington and Dale Knittle of New Tripoli.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Marie Detrick and Shirley White.

Arrangements were made by Brubaker Funeral Home Inc., Coplay.