James L. ‘Jim’ McKnight

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died October 29, 2021

James (Jim) McKnight of Gladstone, MI passed away peacefully, October 29, 2021, at his home in Pisgah Forest, NC, comforted by his special friend Sandy Rickards.

Jim was born December 17, 1938 in Gladstone MI. He was a true and proud “Yooper,” enjoying everything the Upper Peninsula had to offer; hunting, (ice) fishing, boating and youth sports.

Jim’s service to his country and community began at an early age and lasted most of his life. Not long after high school he enlisted in the US Army, and while stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he met the former Dorothy Ross, his wife of nearly 57 years. She preceded him in death.

Soon after separating from the Army, he became a member of the Gladstone Police force, continuing as the force transitioned to Gladstone Public Safety. He served as an officer from March 1967 until he retired in January 1994. He was twice elected to the Gladstone City Commission serving from April 1994 to 1997 and again from April 2001 to 2009. He was also a longstanding member of the American Legion.

Jim was always known as a very fair police officer and always put a person’s safety first, recognizing the people he encountered as his neighbors, often letting them off with a warning or an escort home. He loved the City of Gladstone and was instrumental in bringing the fishing pier and veterans memorial to fruition. He supported youth sports and for numerous years coached boy’s and girl’s baseball.

Jim had many talents that were sometimes understated. He was a self-taught musician who enjoyed sharing his talents with his grand & great grandchildren and friends. He enjoyed performing with the barbershop quartet and could often be found singing and playing his guitar for residents at local senior centers and nursing homes.

He cherished family game night and was notorious for “Jim’s version of the rules” that miraculously changed as the games progressed. Much to the chagrin of the rest of the family, he loved classic movies, specifically war and Western (cowboy) movies. One thing his family will sorely miss are his famous Sunday breakfasts. He had a passion for anything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

Jim is survived by his four attentive children, Lorraine of Kalamazoo, Gerald (LeVette) of O’Fallon, IL, Daniel of Madison, WI and Elaine of Gladstone and his daughter-in-law, Amy McKnight of Madison, WI; five grandchildren Elijah (Treana) Riley, Bethany (Andrew) McKnight-Kamau, Haley, Donovan and James McKnight and five great grandchildren Simone, Malachi, Elijah Jr, Eliana and Emmanuelle. His surviving siblings include sisters Clara Moser, Escanaba and Frances McCulley of Las Vegas, NV and brothers Richard McKnight of Mims, FL and Elmer (Dorothy) MacKnight of Racine, WI, and very special, compassionate friend, Sandy Rickards as well as a host of extended family and friends whom he cherished.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents, Elisher and Laurencia; his brothers, Arnold Eagle and Leroy McKnight and his sisters, Marion Leisenring, Patricia Irving and Doris Scheuren.

A quote very fitting for Jim is “Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still Spoken” per Terry Pratchett. His presence is gone but his memories are life lessons to us all.

Jim’s family will receive friends on Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 11:00AM to 12:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow visiting hours, at 12:00PM, with the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71 presiding. Funeral services will follow Military Rites on Saturday with Pastor Dale Ecklid officiating. Committal prayers will be conducted at the Rapid River Cemetery following funeral services. Luncheon will follow at the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. The family requests in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to Tunnels 2 Towers www.T2T.org.

14 Tributes for “James L. ‘Jim’ McKnight”

    Our deepest condolence to Lori, Bub, Dan, Elaine, Family & Relatives, and Sandy Rickards.
    May Uncle Jim rest in eternal peace. He will be greatly missed. He was like a Father to me, and I called him, Pops.
    Luv n Hugz,
    John & Jan Dahn
    (tue02nov2021)

    I am so sorry for your loss. Some of my best memories are of our McKnight family reunions and all the stories and jokes that were told by Uncle Jim or about him! Praying for you all.

    I’m sorry for your loss. Jim was a caring man with lots of laughs. He was my security guard at the Fair a few years, we had a great time. I will miss his humor…

    Condolences to the McKnight family. I had the benefit of serving on a community board with him, for a short six months. It was a pleasure to serve with such a jolly natured level headed mentor.
    A common phrase he used, when reverencing like minded politicians, was: mutual admiration society. It so fit in so many local circles, it sticks with me today. Thank you Jim for all your service to community.

    Mr James “Jim” McKnight Only 10 years older then me and from the EAST END of Gladstone, Jim was a Hero in this part of Gladstone. He always treated each resident of Gladstone as a family member! It didn’t matter how much you earned or who you were, he was there to protect and help you! Gladstone my home town has lost a landmark of what a person who loved his family, friends and neighbors did for love of his Home Town “ GLADSTONE “

    Condolences to Jim’s entire family. I met him through Sandy and his kindness showed immediately. His sense of humor always came out. I know he will be missed. Prayers for you all.

    Jim was a great and caring person.He came from a loving family !weall grew up in the east end ❤️!He will be missed by all Patty Closs Demeuse

    Jim was such a wonderful man!! I have so many great memories that I’ll always cherish!! My prayers go out to all of you!!! ❤

    My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Jim was a great man of God. He shined the light of God to everyone in this community. He believed in second chances and always treated everyone with love and respect. A great loss to our community and anyone who knew him. Fly and sing with the angels Jim I wish I would have gotten a chance to come and sing with you at the retro station like you asked but time never let it happened. You will be truly missed. And God greeted you with “Well done my good and faithful Servent”. You were and will always be remembered as a true servent of God.

    I stumbled upon this and was disheartened. Jim was an impeccable man. I recall him handling young people with caring hand. I only wish officers of his caliber could bestow how to be an officer upon the young generation.

    “PRECIOUS MEMORIES”
    by J.B.F. Wright; 1925.
    (John Braselton Fillmore Wright)

    Dear Cousins Lori, Bubba & LeVette, Danny, Amy, And Elaine and Family,

    Our apology that we could not be with everyone today as you celebrate the life of your Dad. “Pops” as you and John affectionately called him.

    Ohhh the “Precious Memories”… are flooding John & I today. Our hearts are heavy and filled with emotions.

    Grips ya in the feelings…

    Luv n Hugz,
    Cousins John & Jan Dahn
    (dated: Sat06Aug2022)

    “PRECIOUS MEMORIES”
    by J.B.F. Wright; 1925.
    (John Braselton Fillmore Wright)

    Dear Cousins Lori, Bubba & LeVette, Danny, Amy, and Elaine and Family,

    Our apology that we could not be with everyone today as you celebrate the life of your Dad. “Pops” as you and John affectionately called him.

    Ohhh the “Precious Memories”… are flooding John & I today. Our hearts are heavy and filled with emotions.

    Grips ya in the feelings…

    Luv n Hugz,
    Cousins John & Jan Dahn
    ❤️
    (dated: Sat06Aug2022)

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