Salinas, CA - James Alton Knight 83 passed away March 27, 2026 of natural causes in Salinas, California.

He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa December 22, 1942.

James graduated from Ottumwa High in 1961. He joined the Air Force in 1961 and was stationed in Fallon, Nevada. He worked on the radar systems at the Navy base. He was also stationed in Oregon, Alaska, Iowa, Montana, Nevada (2), Vietnam, Utah, Texas and Florida.

He married Anna Mae Richards August 7, 1964 in Fallon Nevada. They later divorced. They had 2 children, daughter Teresa Bevan (Martyn) and son John Anzley Knight. He later married Elizabeth Cunningham Taylor on June 16, 1983 in Maryland. She preceded him in death on September 21, 2010 in Memphis, TN.

He retired from the Air Force in 1982. Then worked for Westinghouse in Baltimore, Maryland. Then for FAA in Memphis, TN. Where he retired around 2005. After the death of Elizabeth (Dutchess) he moved to California to live near his 2 children. He lived in Oakdale, CA for 13 years and in Salinas, CA for 2 years.

He loved animals. He had many dogs and cats over his life. At one time had a small turtle in his bathtub and a Jack rabbit.

He is survived by his first wife, Anna Mae, children Teresa (Martyn) Bevan of Washington, Utah and John of Monterey, CA. His 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. His 2 brothers Daniel Lee Knight (Julie) of Ankeny, Iowa and John David Knight (Mary Jo) of Ottumwa, Iowa and Sister Susan Louise Miller of Ankeny, Iowa. Stepson Richard Taylor of Glenburnie, MD. Many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his Grandparents, parents John Franklin Knight 2003 and Dorothea Louise (Smithhart) 1970, Sister Sharon Ann Bruehahn in 2005 Brother in-law Rick Miller 2020, Stepson Michael Taylor 2014

In accordance with his wishes, no formal services will be held. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Interment will follow at that time.