James Thomas Knox

James Thomas Knox, 79, passed away on July 7, 2017 after fighting a 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Louisburg, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by the funeral services starting at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Andy Keltner will be officiating. Jim graduated from Commerce High School in 1955 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country for 4 years. Jim then married Nona (Stockman) Knox on April 6, 1963. He worked at Bendex Industries before attending Pittsburg State University, where he obtained his Masters’ and Specialists’ degrees in education while playing football for the Gorillas. After graduating, Jim taught Biology and coached football and wrestling in Columbus, Kansas before becoming a high school principal in Mound City, Kansas. The majority of Jim’s career was spent in Louisburg, Kansas where he served as superintendent of schools for twenty-four years. After retiring from Louisburg, he served as the Jayhawk Linn superintendent of schools for 4 years before officially ending his career. Although Jim was most well-known as an educator and administrator, he cherished his role as a father and husband more than anything. He loved watching his daughters play sports, attending their concerts, taking them to practice, and giving them everything they needed. He enjoyed writing love letters to his wife, slow dancing with her in their kitchen, telling her that he loved her each and every day and trying to give her everything she wanted. He liked playing poker with his buddies on Thursdays, betting gizzards and livers with his friends on Fridays, fishing with his grandchildren on Saturdays, cooking dinner for his family on Sundays, and boating and shooting guns whenever he could. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-four years, Nona, his 4 daughters, Alicia Vance (husband, Robby), Andrea Becker (husband, Brian), Alison Moore (husband, Tommy), Adriane Knox, brother, Ed Knox, 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandson and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Leona Knox, 2 brothers, Clarence and Butch Knox, his sister, Joyce Ann, and an infant son, James Keith Knox. The Knox family would like to thank the entire Louisburg community for its support over the years, and the countless co-workers and colleagues that have made a tremendous impact on Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations made in Jim’s name to the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. To share your memories of Jim or leave a speacial condolence message for his family, please click the Share a memory button.