James R. Knaper

James R. Knaper, age 66, of Royal, passes away on Thursday, January 27, 2022.

He was born on March 26, 1955, in Hot Springs, the son of Charles Henry Knaper and Norma Zell Parker Knaper. He is preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Sharon Bell Knaper; his parents; and one granddaughter, Emily McPherson.

James worked for the Garland County Road Department for 28 years before retiring, everyone knew him as “Round Man”. He was an avid outdoorsman and deer hunter. James loved classic cars and especially loved to show his 69’ Camero Z-28 and 69’ Chevelle. He was a loving family man, who loved being with his family and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Johnny and Tina Emery of Camden and Richard and Tosha Helms of Hot Springs; four daughters and two sons-in-law, Tammy and Roger Carter, Tabitha McPherson and Michael Buttrum, Tara Knaper and Candice Conner, all of Hot Springs; seventeen grandchildren; three brothers and one sister-in-law, Michael Knaper, Charles Knaper and David “Sonny” and Cindy Knaper, all of Hot Springs; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of wonderful friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, Hot Springs. (Formerly known as Davis-Smith Funeral Home).

Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.