James Alexander Knight

James Alexander Knight, 74 of Arlington, TX passed away on October 11, 2019 at Kindred Hospital Dallas Central after a yearlong hospitalized battle with heart failure.

Jim was born in Hillsboro, OR to James Lewis Knight and Lila Fay Jumper on April 10, 1945. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1963. At which time he joined the United States Army and served active duty in Vietnam for over 3 years before being honorably discharged in 1969. He was then recruited in the private sector while in Vietnam to work in conjunction with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), US Agency for International Development (USAID) and established communications for Air America. Jim established recruiting protocols for the Phoenix Program and organizations within while working with MACV-SOG. During these times he befriended John Paul Vann one of the highest decorated civilians in history. While working with US Foreign Affairs he worked hand in hand with General Westmoreland and received the Service in Vietnam Award.

While working with the various operations he met and married his wife of 47 years, Pamela A. Knight. After serving 7 years in Vietnam, he returned to the states in 1972. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Portland State University. Jim continued his career with the United States government and retired from the Department of Treasury upon receiving the prestigious Albert Gallatin Award for his 48 years of service.

Upon retirement, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, long range shooting and watching his grandkids play sports. He was most known for enjoying a Hemingway cigar with a glass of single malt scotch, usually on his back porch with Tiger, his stray tom cat.

Jim is survived in death by his wife, Pamela A. Knight of Arlington, TX; three children Dao Clarke and husband Jimmy of Waxhaw, NC; Rose Peterson of Edmond, OK; James Tuan Knight and wife Gina of McKinney, TX and six grandchildren Sommer Hood and husband Keifer of Piedmont, OK; Justin Peterson of Memphis, TN; Jamie Peterson of Atlanta, GA; Brandon Clarke of Waxhaw, NC; Josie Knight and Ronin Knight of McKinney, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Life Celebration will be held Sunday, October 20th from 5:00-8:00pm at Walnut Hill United Methodist Church 10066 Marsh Lane; Dallas, TX. Graveside Service will be held on Monday, October 21st; 2:15pm at DFW National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy; Dallas, TX. Hughes Family Tribute Center will be handling the funeral arrangements.

Memorial donations can be made to Wounded Warriors Foundation or Vietnam Veterans of America. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors and staff at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital-Plano and Kindred Hospital Dallas Central.



“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13