James Houston Mcknight

James Houston McKnight Jr., 85, of Austin, Texas went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2010. James was born March 31, 1924 in Ft. Worth, Texas to James Houston and Martha Lucille McKnight. His parents were totally committed to their children and provided them with a strong Christian home and values. Jim met the love of his life, Helen June Cole, while they attended Junior High School in Ft. Worth. They dated before and after his WWII service and were married August 30, 1947. They spent over 62 wonderful married years together. Besides his family, Jim loved the military. He began his career in ROTC in Junior and Senior High School and was inducted into the Army in February 1943. A member of the 38th Infantry Division, he served in the South Pacific in New Guinea and the Leyte and Luzon campaigns. After honorable discharge in 1945, Jim graduated from TCU and in 1948 joined the Texas Army National Guard, 145th Tank Battalion, 49th Armored Division in Ft. Worth. In 1964, Jim was transferred to California Crossing at Dallas, Texas to HQ 49th Armored Division. He was promoted to Colonel in 1972. He was appointed Commander of 3rd Brigade, 49th Armored Division in 1973 and served in that capacity until 1975 when he was transferred to the State Headquarters Staff at Camp Mabry in Austin. At Camp Mabry he served as Director of Intelligence; Deputy Chief of Staff; and then, Director of Personnel until his discharge in 1981. Jim was retained at Camp Mabry as a Civilian/State of Texas employee until 1993, when he "fully" retired. During that period, he dreamed of, and was involved in, the creation of the Texas Military History Museum which evolved into the BG John C.L. Scribner Museum. Colonel McKnight holds the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal; Texas Outstanding Service Medal and various other Federal and State Awards. Jim possessed a great talent in drawing, but he really loved to sing, blessed with a fine, beautiful voice. He was a patriot who loved America and a committed member of the National Republican Party of the Founding Fathers of the Constitution. Jim was a committed member of Hyde Park Baptist Church. He also gave generously to the needy and other Christian and Military organizations. Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen June McKnight of Austin; son, James H. McKnight III and wife Emily Denise of Ft. Worth; daughter, Deborah Kaye Boetman and husband Douglas of Austin; sister, Elizabeth Agatha Hart and husband Dr. Dwain Massey Hart of Abilene; grandsons, Gerald T. Bramlett and his daughter Giselle, Matthew C. Bramlett, his wife Kim and their son Neo, and Jacob N. Bramlett, all of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was an unbelievably generous man who was loved and treasured by all who knew him. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 in the Thomas S. Bishop All Faiths Chapel at Camp Mabry. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21st at Greenwood Memorial Park in Ft. Worth. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.