James Knight passed away Sunday, March 24, 2019, at the age of 93. He was born James Edward Knight on Feb. 22, 1926, at Grapevine, Texas, to Jennings P. and Ola Mae Williams Knight, the oldest of four children. The family moved to Seminole, Okla., when he was very young, then to Eola, Texas, where they farmed. He attended elementary school in Eola and Hess, Texas. They moved to the Hatchel, Texas, community when he was 15, and he attended Ballinger High School. He was given much responsibility at a very young age and learned good work ethics. He always gave far more than was required.
He enlisted in the Navy when he was 17, during World War II. He got his training at San Diego and Camp Pendleton, Calif. He was in the Amphibious Force, making six landings in the South Pacific. He was stationed on the USS Drew from the time she was commissioned until she was decommissioned. He was honorably discharged in May 1946.
He and his childhood sweetheart and best friend, Betty Campbell, were married July 27, 1946, and they farmed the Hatchel community for 3½ years before moving to Ballinger, Texas, where he worked as a mechanic. They then lived in Abilene, Texas, before finally moving to Lewiston in 1952. He worked briefly at Potlatch Corp. and in several truck shops in the area: Gray-Webb Truck Services; H & S Motors; and then at International Harvester for 18 years, which later became American Machine and, even later, Pioneer International. From there he went to Tisco, and the last 10 years of his employment were at Lewiston Grain Growers. He was a “Doctor of Motors” and was always the best mechanic he could be.
He was a member of the Lewiston Church of Christ, where he had served as a deacon and elder for many years. He taught Bible class for all ages and served wherever he was needed.
He is survived by his three children and their spouses: son Harold and wife Vicky Knight of Buckley, Wash., and two daughters Claudia Sanford of Clarkston, and Denise and Steve DuBey of Medical Lake, Wash.; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty.
Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. March 30 at the Lewiston Church of Christ, 302 Southway Ave., Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, March 30, 11:00 AM
- Additional Details
- A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. March 30 at the Lewiston Church of Christ, 302 Southway Ave., Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Offer Condolences
Our Family, Serving Yours
✔ Family Owned since 1898
✔ Professional, Licensed Staff
✔ Burial or Cremation Services
✔ Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans
✔ Comfortable Facility
Serving the LC Valley Since 1898
920 21st Avenue