James Russell Knight Jr.

Raleigh, NC: James Russell Knight Jr., 82, passed away on February 17, 2018, at the Durham VA Hospital Heroes Way Hospice Unit after a strong battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on August 13, 1935, in Windsor, NC; he was the son of the late James Russell Knight, Sr. and Edna Earle Morris Knight.

James graduated from Hugh Morson High School in Raleigh and lettered in college football as a tackle at East Carolina University. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy and retired after many successful years within sales. He was an avid sports fan and reader. He enjoyed time with his daughter attending ECU football games and watching ACC basketball and football. After a conversation with Dean Smith in the airport, he became a Tar Heel basketball fan. His daughter tried to persuade him, but he was hooked.

His words of wisdom and vivid blue eyes will always be remembered by his only daughter, Christy Knight of Raleigh. He is survived by his daughter, his brothers: Morris Knight and wife Anna of Richmond and Stephen Knight and wife Wanda of Winston GA; by his nieces and nephews: Charles Knight and wife Cathy, Tonya Knight and husband Chris and Jack Murdock and wife Emily; and by other family and friends.

A Memorial Gathering and Reception will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018, from 11 am – 1 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, with burial and military honors to follow at Brier Creek Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Durham VA Medical Center, Attention Voluntary Service (135) Hospice Unit, 508 Fulton Street, Durham NC 27705.