James Henry Knight III, known to his family and friends as “Little Jim”, lost his courageous battle with cancer on February 23, 2025 at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital. He was 62 years old.
Born on January 10, 1963 in Okeechobee, Florida to James and Martha Knight. Jim was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He was a 1981 graduate of Okeechobee High School, where he excelled in football, Future Farmers of America and was honored as Mr. OHS. His leadership continued after high school when he served as a Florida FFA Officer for one year, showing a deep commitment to his community and agriculture.
He was a proud Alumnus of Mississippi State University. Jim cherished his time as a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), where lifelong friendships were forged. His Bulldog pride ran deep and he carried that loyalty throughout his life, always cheering for his beloved Mississippi State.
For the last 15 years, Jim worked as a Manager at Hyundai Glovis in Montgomery, Alabama.
Jim had a lifelong love for sports, both as a player and a fan. His enthusiasm extended to all kinds of music, and he was known for his easygoing, fun-loving spirit. Above all, Jim adored his family, especially his niece and nephew. He took great joy in watching them grow, always offering encouragement, love and support.
Jim’s kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and he treated everyone with warmth and respect. He was a man of faith, with an open heart and an uplifting spirit.
Jim is survived by his parents, James and Martha Knight of Troy, AL; his sister, Janeann Bolinger (Rick) of Jacksonville, FL; his niece, Abbey Nicole Kotecki (George) of Vero Beach, FL; nephew, Richard “Trey” Bolinger III of Jacksonville, FL; and his great-nephew, Cash James Kotecki of Vero Beach, FL; uncle, Thomas “Bud” Knight (Betty) of Winona, MS and a host of cousins.
Jim will be forever remembered for his love, strength and the incredible impact he made on those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following in Oakwood Cemetery in Winona. Rev. John Micah Egbert will officiate the services. Pallbearers will be Trey Bolinger, Kippy Kemp, Glen Wilkins, Tom McElroy, Ralph Egbert, Chuck Fisher, Tim Timbs, and Jerry Flowers.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 1, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Oliver Funeral Home of Winona.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
We thank God for blessing us with you here at Hyundai Glovis. You impacted so many people lives and in our eyes you the best manager that was here on earth and most of all a better person. All of us were waiting and praying so you can ring that bell, but the Lord had better plans. Get your rest Young Jimmy and WE LOVE YOU and WE GONE MISS YOU MAN…
Sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your family. James will be fondly remembered for his kindness and generosity. During our cultural trip to Korea, we shared countless laughs and meaningful conversations and whenever we were in each other’s presence, we’d always talk about how much fun we had .May you find peace and comfort in your memories of him.
Jim was more than just a manger he was a mentor, leader and true inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of working with him. His kindness, wisdom and unwavering support made a lasting impact on so many lives and your absence will be deeply felt. Jimmy led with both strength and compassion, always bringing out the best in those around him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family friends and all who are mourning this immense loss. May his memory continue to inspire us all. Rest In Heaven Young Jimmy. We Love You and your present will be greatly missed.
Never in a million years would I have thought I’d have to say goodbye to you so soon. You were always there for me here at Glovis. The best manager that ever came through the building. This hurt so bad Jim, it really broke a lot of us and it will never be the same. I LOVE YOU and I MISS YOU.
love “YOKE DOG” IN YOUR VOICE LOL … take your rest we got it from here
Jim I am lost for words. From the day I met you at Hyundai Glovis you showed nothing but love and respect. I respected you as my manager because to you it was more than the job. You made sure we bonded and connected! You was a great man and you broke your Hyundai Glovis family down with this one. My condolences to who all you have touched! With tears in my eyes I just want to tell you WE appreciate guys like you. You most definitely go down as one of the greatest manager I had. Not only was you that but you were a friend. WE LOVE YOU JIMMY! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Lord knows Jim was in my prayers everyday, wishing God give him strength to overcome his battles. Guessing God needed you more than we did. Jim was more than a manager, supervisor he was my cousin as he would say since we carry the same last name😞😞You will be truly missed and Condolenses to Jim family and Friends🕊️🕊️
We are much saddened by the passing of our friend Jim Knight, III. Jim accomplished many things during his short lifetime. It was my good fortune that Jim was elected to serve on a team of seven State FFA Officers in 1981-82. He was an outstanding member of quite an exciting mixture of loyal, creative, energetic high school graduates, each chosen to serve more than 70,000 Florida high school students enrolled in Vocational Agriculture. It was during this quickly passing year that I was introduced to “the two Jim Knights” and their wonderful family. During the last few days (I will use their “stage names” here) Chuck Duggar, Terry Porter, Vera Dunlap, Marcia Smith, Earl Ziebarth, Duane Welch… have shared this great loss. Jim Knight is now missing from this “Magnificent Seven”. We join with Jim’s family as we remember, reminisce, and make our commitments to honor our great friend… Jim Knight, III. He is profoundly missed.
Jim you will be truly missed, I really miss our long conversations and how we supported each other. You were the best manager I’ve ever worked with and your hard work will never go unnoticed. Thank you for all the knowledge and support. Rest well my friend!