James W. Knox

Born in Kingsville, Texas Jim grew up in Kerrville on his family's Arrow Head Ranch where his love for flying began while watching Randolph Field cadets practice landings there. His love of nature was enhanced by spending several summers in Big Bend National Park with his father who was working with the C.C.C. building the park's roads. Later his family moved to Austin, Texas where Jim graduated from Austin High School and attended the University of Texas. Then in December of 1941 the world changed. The day after Pearl Harbor Jim signed on with the Army Air Corps at the age of 18. Shortly thereafter he married Margaret, the love of his life, and then was swept away into WWII. Jim served as navigator on a B-17 (Pistol Packin' Mama) and flew "10 ½" missions before being shot down over Bulgaria. He was taken as a POW and held for 10 months. After returning home and regaining his health he settled into being a patient and understanding father and a loving husband. Margaret and Jim were married for 68 years, 26 of which Jim served in the USAF. He also had a passion for catching bass so if he wasn't working, taking his family out camping or flying, he was fishing.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Margaret; his son James C. Knox; his daughter Patricia K. Partridge; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Visitation and a reception will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 in the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel followed by a graveside ceremony with military honors in the Memorial Hill Cemetery, Pflugerville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.