James Hilton Knight

Captain James Hilton Knight, age 76, passed away peacefully at home next to his devoted and loving wife of 55 years, Jeane.  His heart was so huge, strong and loving, he could not be taken any other way.

Born September 24, 1946 in Elkin, NC, he was the son of the late Reverend James H. Knight and Louise Knight. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Elkin.   He graduated from Wake Forest University with a BA in History and was inducted into the Wake Forest ROTC Hall of Fame.  Mr. Knight served honorably in the Vietnam War being highly decorated for his actions.  He was awarded the Honorary Air Assault Badge for exceptional service for the 101st Airborne Division.  His other commendations include but not limited to: Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Three (3) Silver Stars for Gallantry, Two (2) Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star for his heroic actions dedicated to protecting the soldiers under his command and the Republic of South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Captain Knight started his passion of being an Official in High School and continued for over forty (40) years culminating as being one of the few officials to officiate both Division 1 Men’s Basketball and Football.  He officiated ACC Football for thirty (30) years and also officiated in the NFL as well as the World Football League.  He loved his time officiating and especially cherished his friendships with his fellow officials and coaches.

He lived a life with many accolades, however his joy and pride was in his family.  He always made sure his children: Michael and Mary (Cissy) knew how proud of them he was and how much he loved them.  He was so fond of his grandchildren: Jake, Cullyn, Andrew, Colby and Caden and even in his later years with much debilitating pain from his knee and back surgeries and complications, he refused to miss an event, culminating in countless road trips to be their biggest fan.  Whether administering the oath when Jake was commissioned as an officer, waiting while Cullyn participated in Science Olympiad, sitting as close as he could get to the Belmont Abbey dugout to watch Andrew on the mound, climbing the stands to enjoy Colby playing in the drumline competition or most recently traveling to watch his youngest grandson, Caden help pitch his high school to their first ever state championship, he always showed up.  A loving big brother to his sister, Anita and his brothers Mike and Sam, his most cherished moments were always with his family.

He lived a life with integrity and devotion to family and friends and was a hero to all that loved him and knew of him, however he would never acknowledge that about himself, only focusing on others.  He always loved Elkin, NC and moved back later in life to “The Mountain House”; enjoying the moments of taking his grandsons fishing, golfing and hiking at Doughton Park and seeing the deer that came up every morning to his back porch to say hello while he had his coffee.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, September 16, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Elkin at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Mark Reece officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Hollywood Cemetery with full military honors provided by Yadkin VFW Post #10346.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the American Heart Association, Post Office Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or First Baptist Church Elkin, 110 Gwyn Avenue, Elkin, NC  28621.