I found an Imperial Chemicals Industries (ICI) web site related to their chemical site at Brunner Mond and it listed amongst it's employees a James Knibbs, 1889-1923. I contacted ICI and understand that the only information they have currently on him is that he worked at ICI's Sandbach Works during 1888-1923 (approximately - he could have started or finished earlier or later). They also told me that he served in WW1 as a Private in the 4th Cheshire Res.
Sandback is just a stones throw from Wheelock where he lived so I'm pretty sure it's the same James.

The dates are a little confusing as it seems too late for it to have been James senior (he would have been 80 years old in 1923) and too early to have been James junior (he would have been just 8 when they say he working for them). Unfortunately, the data offered by ICI has disappeared. I suspect it may have been 1898-1923.
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We can see James in 1911, living at Lunt Cottages, Hassall Green, Betchton, Sandbach, Cheshire:
James Knibbs Head Married 29 Wagoner on Farm Malkins Bank Cheshire
Agnes Knibbs Wife Married (1 year) 30 Sandbach Heath cheshire
Marjorie Knibbs Daughter 8 months Sandbach Heath Cheshire