James Edward McKnight Sr.'s Obituary
1930-2015
James’ eternal peace came on Monday, October 12, 2015.
James Edward McKnight was born October 29, 1930 in Denison, Texas to Drewey D.
McKnight Sr. and Carrie Blackshear McKnight. He was the fourth of ten children born to
this union.
Before graduating from Terrell High School in Denison, James accepted Christ as his
Savior. He went on to graduate from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor’s degree
in 1952, returning later to earn a Master’s in Education Administration degree. He did
post graduate studies a Texas A&M University.
Upon graduation, James accepted a teaching position in woodshop and math at Blackshear
High School in Hearne, Texas, the town of his mother’s birth. He married Naomi Blocker, a
fellow graduate of Prairie View and teacher at Blackshear, on July 18, 1953. To this union
two children, Sherunda Carol and James Jr., were born. While in Hearne, James coached
football, basketball and baseball, started an ROTC drill team, led the boys Hi-Y youth
program and also drove the school bus. James was responsible for designing the
Homecoming floats for the Hearne parades, and building the concession stand at the
football stadium with his woodworking class. He was a trustee and Sunday school teacher for
Bethel A.M.E. Church in Hearne, Texas.
The family moved to Houston, Texas in 1962 and James accepted a teaching position at
Jack Yates High School. He taught drafting there for six years and designed the
Homecoming floats for Jack Yates each year.
Because of his strong Christian faith, James became a trustee at Wayman Chapel A.M.E. in
Houston. As an excellent draftsman and architect, James designed and drew the plans for
their current church building. Later, James and Naomi became members of Riverside
United Methodist Church and were active in leadership and the choir there until poor
health prevented their participation.
James has had many civic, social and charitable affiliations which included but are not
limited to: The Wesley Foundation, Gideon’s International, Phi Delta Kappa, McKnight
Scholarship Fund and singing in the Ebony Opera Guild.
In 1970 James became the first Black assistant principal at Sam Houston High School. He
later became assistant principal at Wheatley High School, retiring in 1989 as assistant
principal at Kashmere High School. James’ 27 years of service in the Houston Independent
School District touched countless lives, in and out of school. After retirement he focused
on their successful business, McKnight Enterprises.
James is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Naomi; daughter Sherunda Johnson-Grady
(Michael) and son James McKnight Jr.; three grandsons, Markus Johnson (Jessica), Kevin
Johnson (Marissa) and David Johnson, six great-grandsons: Jalen , D’Ante , Keedran ,
Amari , Brett and Chance Johnson; four sisters, Georgia Jones, Gloria Champion, Wanda
Busby, Carrol Outlay (Jerry) and one brother Drewey D. McKnight Jr. , and a host of
cousins, nieces, and nephews and friends. His parents, Drewey D. McKnight Sr. and Carrie
Blackshear McKnight, as well as siblings Glenda McKnight Curtis, Leslie McKnight, and
William McKnight preceded him in death.
James was an excellent husband, father, and outstanding example of godly manhood. He
was loved and admired by all who met him, and will be remembered for his lasting
contributions to his family, the education profession, the state of Texas and the Kingdom of
God. Although family and friends alike will miss him, James lived a full life, gave the world
his best and is now receiving his eternal reward.
James will be remembered as a great family man, educator, administrator and a successful entrepreneur.
His life will be celebrated Saturday, October 17th at Riverside United Methodist Church, 4920 Cullen at 11:00 AM.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?