James Milton Knotts

James was born May 11, 1948 to Agnes Juanita Dixon and John M. Knotts, Sr. in Columbia, South Carolina. He attended Airport High School and enlisted in the United States Navy at 19 years old, where he served on the U.S.S. Hunley AS-31 and was honorably discharged to later become a West Columbia police officer. He eventually retired as an investigator with South Carolina’s Labor Licensing and Regulations department. He was a loving husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who had lived in the West Columbia area all his life. James was a lifetime University of South Carolina Gamecocks fan who loved hanging out with friends and family and enjoyed watching his black and white westerns. He loved fishing and carpentry and was a member of the Masonic Lodge 381, a Shriner and member of the Scottish Rites.

James is survived by his wife, Victoria “Gail” Knotts; his sons: Bryan (Joy) Knotts - Tanner, Conner and Brenin; Britton (Ashley) Knotts - Kailyn and Jace; his brother, John M. “Jake” Knotts, Jr. (Betty) - Nikki (Robert) Knotts Roberts - John Robert, Tara Knotts Arnett - Michael Jake Grigsby, Kaitlyn Grigsby Clark and sister, Jackie Knotts DeAngelis - Jared and Julius DeAngelis; his stepchildren, Thea (Anh) Salmonson - Travis and Torin; Brett Kinsey - Hannah, Tori (Todd) White - Victoria, Nicholas, and Ciara; Tonya (Steve) Swalgren - Kinsey, Maddie, Michael, Kassie, Matthew, Kallie, and Khloe; Rusty (Allison) Jeffcoat - Izzy, Zander, and Cheyanne; great grandchildren, Wrigley, Kylie, and Estella as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and his loving and constant companion, Mia.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes Juanita Dixon Knotts and John M. Knotts, Sr. of West Columbia; his brothers, Danny Dixon, Johnny Knotts, and Joey Knotts.

Special thanks to Ollie Spell - sister-in-law, caretaker, and friend and to the staff of Lexington Medical Center and Hospice Care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmwoodfhcolumbia.com for the Knotts family.