James Knight Obituary

KNIGHT, Jr., Lt. Gen. (ret.) James A. Lt. Gen. James A Knight, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home shortly after his 94th birthday. His wife, Ann, passed in 2016 after 70 years together. Jim had a storied AF career serving as a fighter pilot in WWII, Korea, & Vietnam. His aircraft included the P-47, F-80, F-100, F-4. Career Highlights: Commander of Nellis AFB, Aide to the Sec.of the AF, Vice-Commander of Tactical Air Command, Inductee: Commemorative AF Hall of Fame. After 35 years, they retired to the Hill Country of Austin participating in Austin Military Relations Committee, Daedalians, and enjoying many years of golf with friends and family. They are survived by their son Steve, his wife Gail, their four children, 4 great grandchildren and niece Judy Ellis. A true American Hero, Jim was so beloved, known as "Gentleman Jim" throughout his life.

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Dec. 10, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for James Knight

Sponsored by Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - Lake Travis.

8 Entries

Julian Lewis

March 11, 2018

General Knight was my Commander, my mentor and my friend. I was a Major and an instructor pilot in the Phantom F-4. I checked him out at Davis Montham AFB when he was a Colonel. After that we flew together many, many times from Tucson to Austin Texas, to Langley AFB, VA to Eglin AFB, Fl for some Air Force conference or another. The General was a true gentleman. Quiet spoken but oh what a great leader and pilot. He followed my career as I went to Spain then Germany then Korea then finally back to Nellis AFB where I joined up with him again. It was my greatest honor to have known him and to have served with him. Lt Col Julian Lewis, Retired.

gail knight

December 13, 2017

Loraine Wilson

December 13, 2017

Jim was a genuine gentleman. Always so kind and considerate of others and their desires. He was most generous and his thoughts were for the happiness he could bring to others. He was just as good to his animals, as he was to humans, He was concerned for their welfare and comfort as if they were his children. I always admired his generous nature, quiet demeanor, but always in command of any situation. He met all the qualifications of being the General. I have, and am reaping the benefits of Jims teachings, and training to His outstanding son , whom is the same kind, thoughtful, considerate person that was taught by Jim and Ann., And I'm blessed to have Steve as my son-in -law. I loved Jim and admired his accomplishments and goodness, as I do Steve. Jim is in good hands now.

Steve Wright

December 13, 2017

Jim was an extraordinary man. I knew him and his wife Ann for a short while, but he touched me and my family with his kindness and engaging personality. We shared many a lunch and even a Pizza and movie night together. He took us on a tour of his property in his golf cart, and I was happy to help with small projects around the yard occasionally. I just liked to be around him. Simply put- we are better people for knowing him. God bless you, Jim.

Jesse Knight

December 12, 2017

Thanksgiving 2016

Jesse Knight

December 12, 2017

The General. I would occasionally brag to friends that no one had a stronger name and title than my Three Star General Grandpa "James Arthur Knight." Some of my all time favorite childhood memories come from the trips to visit Grandpa Knight at Rocky K Ranch! It was a kids dream every summer to ride tractors and drive in trucks and feed longhorn cows while running around in cowboy boots. Even digging fence post holes in compacted caliche somehow became a fun memory! I am forever grateful that you put 100% of your parenting focus into your one son so we could reap the benefits. We love you very much Grandpa and will miss you a ton! You set the bar at 94 for us at, I am going to one up you at 95.

Teresa Scott

December 11, 2017

My heart will be forever touched from knowing and loving Jim and Ann. There are very few men that emulate a true gentleman, and Jim was one of the best. He couldn't have been more compassionate, respectful and kind. I will miss him dearly as I miss Ann. Jim was so lonely when Ann passed that while his passing is a loss in my life, I am excited that he is now joined with his beloved Ann once again. God bless you and your family always!

Gail Knight

December 11, 2017

What can you say about such an amazing and sweet man! We were so blessed to have him with us for so long. We have so many wonderful memories of days spent on "the ranch" with Jim, Ann and the children, zipping around on the golf cart, swimming in the pool, working on projects, and hot tub parties! Lots of fun summer days. Jim was so generous and kind, always doing for others. As the children grew, they became very impressed at Jim's accomplishments, the stories of his great adventures, and all of the fun things they were exposed to because of him. I loved it when they were able to travel out so spend time with us, wonderful Christmas gatherings and special milestones in everyone's lives. "Gentleman Jim" was such a special person, it's hard to find words to describe how much we will miss him in our lives everyday.

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