James David Knox

Jim was born April 27, 1935, in Beattyville, Kentucky. He moved to Ohio with his parents in 1937. He graduated from Stivers High School in 1953 and continued his education at the University of Dayton where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Jim was an avid reader and loved to study the Bible. He also enjoyed a good mystery novel and all the Marvel movies. Most days, you would find him with a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other.

Jim also had a passion for music from a young age and sang in the church choir for many years and later served as choir director. He was also part of a musical trio where he met his wife, “June” of 56 years.

On June 11, 1959, he married Barbara June Bowen. They adopted two children, Catherine Jill (Knox) Brown and James Daryn Knox.

Jim was known for his contagious smile, his intelligence, his patience, and his humor but most of all his kindness towards others.

He was very proud of his service to his country. He served in the Air Force and the National Guard.

He was also very proud of his children and grandchildren and spoke of them to anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Eric Brown of Arcanum, Ohio; his son, Daryn Knox of Oregon; his grandchildren, Niles Brown and his wife, Caitlin Kelly Brown of Greenville, Ohio, and Mitch Brown of Lone Tree, Colorado. He is also survived by his sister, Norma Stidham of Troy, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Reverend Thomas Anderson Knox and Nora May (Rose) Knox; loving wife of 56 years, Barbara June (Bowen) Knox; and his beloved brother, Joseph D. Knox of Massachusetts.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, January 13, 2023, at Zechar Bailey funeral Home in Greenville with Pastor Gary Cloyd officiating. Burial will follow in Abbottsville Cemetery, Darke County, Ohio. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the funeral home. Full military honors will be conducted by the Greenville Veteran’s Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice of Greenville, Ohio, or the Cancer Association of Darke County, Ohio. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Knox family.