Community News
Meet Jim and Sheila Knittle - Christine's Corner
Posted on Sep 1st, 2026
Resident Spotlight: Meet Jim and Sheila Knittle
By Christine Bachman, Resident Board Member
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50 Years of Marriage, a Love for Family and a Passion for Fitness
When Jim and Sheila Knittle began looking for a new place to call home, they had one priority in mind: being closer to their grandchildren. After nearly a year of searching, they found Sonoma Verde and Sheila knew almost immediately that they had found the right place.
The Knittles moved from Deer Park, Texas, near Houston, to their home on Arezzo Lane in August 2025. In fact, Sheila loved the home and neighborhood so much that she bought it before Jim had even seen the property in person! “We decided to move to this area to be closer to grandchildren,” Sheila says. “I fell in love with our home and the neighborhood immediately.” Today, Sonoma Verde has quickly become home for the couple. They especially appreciate the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the feeling of safety throughout the community. “SV is very nice, friendly and safe,” Sheila says. “People tend to look out for one another.” |
| Pictured: Sheila and Jim Knittle | |
A Family-Centered Life
For Jim and Sheila, much of their time in the Rockwall area revolves around family. Their grandchildren have quickly become fans of some of Sonoma Verde's amenities, especially the catch-and-release fishing pond.
“The catch-and-release fishing pond is a favorite of our grandchildren,” Sheila says. “The pool has a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.”
When they aren't spending time with their grandchildren at soccer, baseball and dance activities, the couple enjoys discovering the local area. Some of their favorite restaurants so far include Manny's in Heath, Pablo's in Fate, Culpepper Cattle Co. in Rockwall, Eggsquisite and Book Club Cafe. They also enjoy the unique food at El Tejas Twist and Stash's Table & Fable in Forney.
Putting Down Roots
Sheila has also wasted no time getting involved in the Sonoma Verde community. Since moving in, she has attended Sofia's Wellness & Meditation and the Senior Social Club, volunteered with Toddler-Time and helped with various Amenity Center events.
But one of her biggest contributions has been creating a fitness opportunity for her neighbors.
In October, Sheila started Get Fit with Sheila, a free fitness class designed to help Sonoma Verde residents improve their strength, cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
The classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. During the summer, Wednesday's class becomes water aerobics in the pool, and one Friday each month the group takes a break to attend Sofia's Meditation and Wellness class.
The workouts combine strength and cardio exercises using hand weights and body weight. Sheila modifies the routines for different ages and fitness levels, making the class accessible whether participants are longtime fitness enthusiasts or just getting started.
Participants complete a waiver that allows Sheila to understand their fitness level, injuries or limitations so she can tailor the exercises appropriately.
All participants need is a towel, water, hand weights if they have them, a thick mat for floor exercises, and a positive attitude.
A Lifetime of Fitness
Fitness isn't new to Sheila. It has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.
She played softball and basketball as a youth and played soccer with Jim until they were about 50. In her 20s and 30s, she was an avid runner. Around age 40, she discovered Body Pump classes and developed a passion for weights and cardio. At 50, she began participating in Camp Gladiator and fell in love with high-intensity interval training.
While working as a school nurse, Sheila even created a free fitness class for school administrators and faculty. She continued teaching the class after retiring until the couple relocated to Sonoma Verde.
Her philosophy about fitness is simple: start where you are.
“Just do it. Take the first step no matter how small,” she says. “Healthy body, healthy mind.”
And if you're waiting for the perfect time, or the new year, to begin?
“Anytime is a good time to get started. Mind over matter.”
50 Years and Counting
Jim and Sheila have been married for 50 years, and retirement has given them plenty of time to enjoy their family, hobbies and new community.
Sheila is a retired registered nurse who spent her career working in hospitals, medical facilities, home health and hospice care before spending 21 years as a school nurse.
Jim, also retired, worked in the petrochemical industry as an instrument and electrical design specialist. He enjoys playing guitar, writing songs, cooking, walking and watching football. Music has been a lifelong passion, he has played in bands on and off since he was a teenager.
Together, the Knittles enjoy walking, gardening, working out, socializing and, most importantly, spending time with their grandchildren.
After just one year in Sonoma Verde, they've already found plenty of ways to connect, contribute and make their new community feel like home.
And Sheila hopes her fitness classes will do more than help neighbors get stronger.
“My goal is to encourage participants to have better health and fitness, believe in themselves and develop a sense of community.”
That's a pretty great way to put down roots.
Comment By: Sophia Davis
Posted on Sep 7, 2026
Thanks Sheila for keeping us on our toes in our fitness class, always supporting and always checking in on us. Jim, I can't wait to pick up my guitar one day and you teach me how to pic a line.
Sophia
Sophia
Last Edited: 09/09/2026 at 08:26 AM