Steven J. Knapp

Steven Jay Knapp was born on November 8, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, to Merlin Knapp and Louise Kalbach. He spent much of his youth outdoors, riding horses, practicing archery, and taking part in the Sea Scouts. He also found joy in music and became a skilled classical guitarist. During high school, Steve and a friend owned and operated a shrimp boat business, an early example of his entrepreneurial spirit. He graduated from high school in 1962. Steve pursued higher education at the University of Washington for three years and spent a quarter studying abroad at the University of the Americas in Mexico City. As the realities of the Vietnam War era pressed closer, Steve sought a different path of service and adventure by joining the Peace Corps. After training in Puerto Rico, he was stationed in Venezuela—where a chance meeting would change his life forever. There, he met Jacqueline Bishop, the love of his life. They married in 1968 and began building a life rooted in faith, learning, and family. Upon returning to Seattle, Steve completed his degree in Spanish Literature at the University of Washington in 1969. Together, he and Jacque attended missionary dental school in Tijuana, Mexico, and served as medical missionaries in El Pilar, Mexico. Their first daughter, Blanca, was born during this time. After returning to the United States, Steve pursued theological studies at Portland Bible College, where their second daughter, Susana, was later born in Portland, Oregon. Steve had a remarkable command of the Spanish language, a gift he used throughout his life to connect with Hispanic communities. In churches, gatherings, and everyday conversations, he offered friendship, encouragement, and the hope of faith through a shared language. In 1975, the family settled in Kingston, Washington, near Steve’s parents. Over the years, he worked in a variety of sales roles, selling everything from encyclopedias to cow milking machines. He also owned a small carpentry business, where his craftsmanship and attention to detail reflected the quiet artistry of a faithful builder. In 1984, the family moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma, to be closer to Jacque’s extended family. As his daughters reached their teenage years, Steve embarked on a new career as a truck driver with JB Hunt. He excelled in this role, becoming a trainer who taught countless new drivers not only the skills of the road but also the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling. He retired in 2005. In retirement, Steve pursued hobbies he loved, including windsurfing and skiing, until Jacque’s health declined due to Alzheimer’s disease. With great devotion, he cared for her faithfully until her passing in February 2025. His unwavering love and compassion were a profound reflection of the vows they had exchanged so many years before. Steve had an enduring love for books and was passionate about learning, especially in areas of health and medicine. He eagerly shared his knowledge with friends, family, and even strangers. He had a gift for conversation and a deep passion for biblical theology. His Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life and informed all that he did. Steve is survived by his daughters, Blanca Allen and Susana Jackman; his son-in-law, Jeremy Jackman; and his grandchildren, Max, Sophie, Jonas, and Calen Jackman. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Malakai James and Emryn Ivy. He leaves behind his sister-in-law, Karen Franklin; his brother-in-law, Bruce Bishop, and his wife, Laurie; and his sister-in-law, Patty Bishop. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Chris Bishop and wife Natalie, Micah Bishop and wife Nikki, Ron Franklin and wife Shellie, Scott Franklin, and Erin Bishop. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Louise Knapp, and his beloved wife, Jacqueline. Steve’s life was one of curiosity, compassion, and enduring faith. His legacy of love, learning, and service lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. A celebration of Steve’s life will be at 1PM, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Presbyterian Church of Muskogee. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery in Muskogee.

Steven J. Knapp

November 8, 1943 - April 22, 2025