Jerry Mitchell Knaggs (“Mitch”), 49, joined his heavenly Father on December 24th, in Durango, Colorado. Mitch, owner and operator of JK Excavation, was born June 14, 1965, in Maywood, CA, to Jerry and Joy Knaggs. They moved to Durango in 1972 where Mitch grew up and eventually met and married the love of his life, Janet Duran. Mitch was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandfather (Papa) and friend. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going up in the mountains at Purgatory, and sharing the fruits of his labor from his summer gardens. He took fashion cues from no one and was extremely loyal to his 15-year-old Carhart jacket – refusing to wear any of the numerous new ones that hung in his closet. He was an undiscovered chef and was known for his famous egg breakfasts he would make when family visited, along with his mastery of the grill. Most of all, though, Mitch, a character in his own right, loved kidding around with people. He made it his goal each day to make everyone around him smile with his quick wit and quirky humor. As a point of pride, he purported to remember everything he didn’t like about politics and phony people. Tinkering around with objects was in his blood. From a young age, he would take things apart just to see how they worked. Most of the time, when he put it back together, there were still parts left on the floor, but miraculously, the article still worked! He was a barterer and could “trade up” just about anything. He kept the family guessing as to what he would come home with next. Anyone who knew Mitch would tell you he could fix just about anything…a “Jerry rigger”…just like his dad. Mitch is survived by his wife and love of his life, Janet Knaggs; mother, Joy Knaggs; sisters and their spouses, Sherry and Jeff Gifford, Christy and Ron Wittwer, and Kim and Mark Coufal; 2 grand-daughters, Nevaeh and Irelyn (his pride and joy); many beloved nieces, nephews, and family in-law, and best friend, Mike Mayer. Mitch will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and memories of him will be cherished daily. His treasured daughter, Alisha Livingston, and father, Jerry Knaggs, preceded him to heaven. A celebration of Mitch’s life is scheduled for Friday, January 2nd at 11:30 a.m at Hood Mortuary. Mark Coufal will officiate. Flowers and condolences may be offered at Hood Mortuary, 1261 E. 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301. Donations can be made through the J. Mitch Knaggs benefit account at First National Bank of Durango.