In Memory
James Leonard Knight
November 26, 1946 ~ September 21, 2026 (age 79)
James Leonard “Jim” Knight, 79, of Granger, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, surrounded by his family and holding the hand of his beloved wife, Carol, with whom he shared 59 wonderful years.
Jim was born November 26, 1946, in South Bend, Indiana, to Percy Leonard Knight and Dorothy Zelda (Greer) Knight. He grew up with a strong sense of family, responsibility, fairness and community, and values that would remain central to the way he lived, worked and raised his family.
An educator at heart, Jim devoted more than three decades of his life to teaching and school leadership. He began his career teaching history for six years before spending the next 36 years in administration with the South Bend Community School Corporation. He ultimately served as principal of Clay Middle/Intermediate School, a place that became an important part of both his professional life and his legacy. Though other opportunities within the school system came his way, Clay was where Jim wanted to be.
Jim earned his master’s degree from Purdue University and continued to pursue education throughout his life. He was proud of his Purdue connection, a loyalty that extended well beyond academics and firmly into Saturdays spent following Boilermaker football. Throughout his career, he was respected for his leadership, his commitment to students and staff, and the steady, thoughtful way he guided those around him.
The lessons Jim taught, however, extended far beyond the walls of a school. His three sons were deeply shaped by his example: His strong work ethic, keen sense of fairness and equality, kindness, humility, perseverance and unwavering commitment to providing for and loving his family. Those who knew Jim knew him as a steady presence; someone whose words carried weight and whose quiet strength brought reassurance.
They also knew a man with a wonderful sense of humor. Whether you knew him as Mr. Knight, Jim, Dad or Poppy, there was much more to him than the serious educator and administrator. He appreciated a well-timed prank, especially when one of his boys was behind it; took great pride in an impeccably kept yard; enjoyed a good book, music and crossword puzzles; and could happily settle in for sports, a favorite sitcom rerun or a game show. (When Jeopardy! was on, everyone else in the room was usually playing for second place.)
Jim was also an animal lover and appreciated the companionship and comfort animals brought throughout his life. But above all, his family was his world. His sweetheart of nearly 60 years, Carol, was at the center of that world, along with their sons, daughters-in-law and four grandsons, who knew and loved him as Poppy. Nothing meant more to him than the family he and Carol built together.
When Jim spoke, people listened. His family will deeply miss listening to him—hearing his voice, sharing his humor and wisdom, and continuing to learn from the example he set. Among the greatest lessons he leaves behind are perseverance, strength, humility, doing what is right, and what it means to provide for and love your family with your whole heart.
Jim is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Knight; his sons, Bryan J. Knight of Granger, Indiana; Keith A. Knight and his wife, Angela, of Granger, Indiana; and Craig P. Knight and his wife, Amy, of Upland, California; and his grandsons, Tyler, Nicholas, Alexander and Benjamin.
He is also survived by his sisters, Starr Knight (Gary Hartman) of Buchanan, Michigan; Sharon Middleton and her husband, James, of Tucson, Arizona; and Deborah Strzelecki and her husband, Bob, of New Carlisle, Indiana, along with extended family and friends whose lives were touched by him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy Leonard Knight and Dorothy Zelda (Greer) Knight, and his brother, Ronald Knight.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held by his family at a later date, with details to be shared when arrangements are finalized. Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at the funeral home’s website.
In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to a local Humane Society in Jim’s memory.
09/22/2026 EJS
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