James David Knight

James David Knight, beloved son, brother, veteran, and friend, passed away at the age of 65 on April 12, 2025. Born April 17, 1959, in Bordeaux, France, to Jerry Dean Knight and Ruth Ann (Gates) Knight, James lived a life grounded in faith, family, and service. David spent his early years in Elk City, Oklahoma, where he developed a love for reading that stayed with him throughout his life. Later, the family moved to the Pernell area, where David found joy in playing football and basketball. Summers were spent hauling hay and working at the local feed store-experiences that helped shape his strong work ethic and deep appreciation for simple pleasures. David graduated from Pernell High School in 1977. He pursued higher education at East Central University and later completed his bachelor's degree through the University of Phoenix. His professional career included joining the United States Air Force in 1980. David was a Master Sergeant and worked as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist where he spent his first four years on active duty in Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan. Sergeant Knight then crossed trained into the Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) analysis career field. As an ELINT analyst he enjoyed assignments to the 6912th Electronic Security Group (Electronic Security Command) Tempelhof Airport, Berlin Germany; 544th Intelligence Exploitation Squadron, (Strategic Air Command) Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia; 488th Intelligence Squadron OL-RM, (Air Intelligence Agency), RAF Molesworth, England; and finally, the 48th Intelligence Squadron, (Air Intelligence Agency) Beale Air Force Base, California. As a nuclear Weapon Specialist, then airman Knight was selected as "Professional Performer" during two Inspector General visits. Sergeant Knight is an honor graduate of the Electronic Intelligence Analysis Course and the Strategic Air Command NCO Leadership School at Offutt Air Force Base. He is a graduate of the NCO Academy at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Sergeant Knight's decorations include- Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal. After his time in the military, David spent 21 dedicated years at Lockheed Martin, where he made lasting contributions before retiring. A proud veteran, David took great pride in his military service, considering it one of the great honors of his life. His devotion to his family was equally profound-one of his proudest accomplishments was purchasing a home for his mother so she could enjoy her retirement years in comfort. He was raised in the First Church of God in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. In his free time, David could be found fishing with his brother Jerry, camping under the stars, or enjoying time at the lake. He never missed a family reunion and was a cherished part of a fantasy football league. A loyal Oklahoma Sooners fan, he loved watching all sporting events they were a part of. His steaks were legendary, and his warmth and laughter filled every gathering. Above all, David taught those around him the true meaning of family-how to show up, stay close, and care deeply. David is survived by his Brothers, Jimmy D. Knight, Jerald D. Knight, Bill R. Knight and wife Angel; Sisters, Jennifer S. Mathews and husband Ron, Jeannie S. Heil, Denise Martin; Special Friend, Mary Sweetser and daughter Robin; Nieces and Nephews, Chris Mathews, Angela Hodge, Brittney Smith, Lindsey Parks, Jessica Heil, Derrick Knight, Andrew Knight, Jadyn Nunley, Parker Knight, Hailey Boulter; and a host of other friends and family. David was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry D. and Ruth A. Knight; Brother, Jerry D. Knight; Brother-in-law, John M. Sheets; Nephews, Valton C. Doss, Benjamin Knight; Nieces, Elizabeth A. Knight.
Services for David will be Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Church of God in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma with Jeremy Clayton officiating. Services are under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. Visitation for David will be Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM and Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. If you would like to send your condolences to the family you may do so at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com