James Knox's Obituary
Dr. James Mitchell Knox, age 90, died at home in Burlington, NC on Sunday, January 7, 2024. James was born April 6, 1933, in Gastonia, NC. He was the son of Rev. Law Pierce Knox and Clara Mitchell Knox both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lola Spencer Knox and his brother, John Law Knox.
James is survived by three children: Karen Knox Hayes, Sara Knox Warren (Todd), and James Spencer Knox (Deanna), also a sister-in-law Nancy Semones Knox, and five grandchildren: Heather Hayes, Chelsea Warren Villarino (Ross), Savannah Warren Redmond (Daniel), Toria Knox (fiancé Pat Rogers), and Spencer Knox.
After being educated in the public schools of Brighton, TN; Monticello, AR; Charlotte, NC; and Gastonia, NC; he received a B.S. in Biology from Davidson College, a M.Ed. in Science Teaching from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Doctorate in Education from Highland University. He began his teaching career at Victory School in Gastonia, NC where he taught eighth grade science and mathematics. A year later he entered military service as an officer in the United States Army, serving two years at Fort Benning, Georgia. The next twelve years were spent as a biology teacher at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC. Then followed four years as Assistant Professor of Biology at Piedmont College in Demorest, GA. Afterwards the family moved to Wilkesboro, NC, where James taught biology, botany, and genetics for 21 years at Wilkes Community College, retiring to Burlington, NC in 1995.
James was active in Scouting for most of his life, earning his Eagle Scout Rank in 1949 at the age of 16. He served as scoutmaster and assistant scout master in troops where he has lived. He was a Vigil Honor member in the Order of the Arrow and received the Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his many years of service to Scouting.
He enjoyed model railroading, camping, hiking, and owned an extensive walking stick collection, many of which he carved himself. He also enjoyed participating in the Gideons, Kiwanis Club, and served as elder and Sunday school teacher at his church, First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Burlington.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 26 at James Funeral Home, Huntersville, NC with graveside burial at the Huntersville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church cemetery on January 26, 2024. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the First ARP Church of Burlington, 2250 Saddle Club Road, Burlington, NC 27215, or the Huntersville ARP Church, PO Box 316, Huntersville, NC 28078, or AuthoraCare Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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