James Marion "Butch" Knight

James Marion “Butch” Knight, 65, passed away on May 12th in Columbus, GA. He was born in Vicksburg, MS, but had resided in Ocean Springs for over 30 years. He received his BS and Masters degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed further coursework on his doctorate. He was awarded the first NASA fellowship in science. After graduation, he worked at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in fisheries research. In 1969 he became an instructor of chemistry and biology at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport, MS. In 1976 he was selected as “Instructor of the Year”. He served as Department Chair in the Science Department for several years. He retired from MGCCC in 1991 after 22 years of service to accept employment at Alabama Southern Community College where he taught chemistry and biology courses. He taught an additional 10 years and served as Chairman of the Math and Science Department. Mr. Knight was a communicant of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs where he formerly served as a vestry member, usher, and Senior Warden. He was a former member and past Commodore of the Ocean Springs Yacht Club where he enjoyed sailing with friends and family. He also served as a member and education officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a member of the Magnolia Bayou Homeowners’ Association where he recently served as Vice President, Director of Communications, and Webmaster. He enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren whom lovingly referred to him as “Paw Paw”. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed extensive traveling throughout the world. His father, Marion C. Knight and his sister Rose Marie Blue preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of forty three years, Lynda, his mother, Rose, and sister, Claudia Ray. Other survivors include daughter Kimberly Stewart and her husband Don of Midland, GA, and daughter Wendy Buck and her husband Chris of Roswell, GA. Survivors also include four grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and one step-great grandson. A Memorial Eucharist will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 1:00 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs where friends may visit after 11:30. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Building Fund, 705 Rayburn Ave, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.