Jack Wesley Knott, 79, was carried away to heaven at 4:55 p.m. Saturday (June 13, 2020) in Urbana. He was the son of Hiram Wesley Knott Jr. and Marian Louise Wood Knott.
Born in Urbana on June 18, 1940, he grew up near Kolb Park in St. Joseph and spent countless hours playing along the Salt Fork River. Never afraid of work, he delivered newspapers as a young boy.
He graduated in 1959 from St. Joseph High School, where he had been a member of the choir and participated in the state vocal contest. After graduating, he attended Champaign Commercial College in 1962.
Jack served in the Illinois National Guard from 1963-1969 as a staff sergeant in the 1144th Transportation Battalion. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.
He worked as a computing supervisor in the Computing Service Office at the University of Illinois from 1963-1997. He also owned a jewelry store in the Lando Place Mall located on 6th Street in the heart of the University of Illinois campustown for several years.
Actively involved in the St. Joseph community, he was a member of the St. Joseph Civil Defense and St. Joseph Lions Club, including president; served on the St. Joseph Township Swearingen Memorial Library Board; and was co-chairman of the 1972 St. Joseph Centennial. He also was a member of the Mount Olive Cemetery Association board. He was a member of St. Joseph Church of Christ.
On Aug. 17, 1963, Jack married Barbara Gale Maddock at the St. Joseph Church of Christ; she survives him.
Also surviving are two sons, Gregory John Knott (Brooke) of St. Joseph and Kevin Wesley Knott (Julie) of Homer; and two grandchildren, Riley Knott and Hayden Knott of St. Joseph. Additionally, he is survived by numerous cousins that he was especially close to.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, John Bluford Wood and Ella Wood; one brother, James B. Knott; and sister-in law, Patricia M. Knott.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with Dave Barcus officiating. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.
Memorials may be given to the St. Joseph Township Library.
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