James Donald Knight

James Donald Knight Greece: devoted and much-loved husband of 57 years to the late Carol Leverenz Knight, entered eternal rest on April 7, 2024, at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully after spending time with his children Maureen (Joseph) DiBella, Craig Knight, and Tamara (Michael) Black, love expressed for Jimmy Knight and family, and time spent with his sons-in-law, and grandchildren Joey, Justin, Jack, and Julia in the home he was born in. True to his character, he made his grandchildren laugh one last time by turning his hat to the side with a smile. His family will always hold close to their hearts the memories of their dad and papa. In James’ heart he wanted to rejoin his wife with whom he spent nearly all his time with before her recent passing. They lived their entire life together in Greece, N.Y. mostly in the home James’ dad built. James is the cherished youngest child of thirteen to late Arthur and Dorothy Knight. He was born and lived most of his life in Greece, N.Y. other than his time as a Marine in Paris Island and Fuji, Japan and a few years in Arizona with family. Dear to him were memories of his parents and siblings like how he sat beside his dad along with his dad’s friends during weekly card games and was asked as a true honor to take his dad’s chair after his passing. James was the strength of his family, showing love with his dependability by always being there to help. James’ strong determination defined him, and he took great pride in being a Marine. During his time in the military, he received hard-earned leave by mastering sharp shooting, amazed his commander by driving a tank through the ocean onto shore, and carried a fellow Marine’s heavy equipment along with his own during boot camp. James was equally adventurous. He took his family on many road trips to nearly every state, including an annual trip to New Smyrna, Florida, trips cross-country to Arizona and California, and a spontaneous trip to a place his children saw on a cereal box. James’ generosity was a part of who he was. In his younger years, he worked on an ice cream truck and often gave ice cream away for free to children who couldn’t afford it even though he didn’t have much himself. One of his passions was nature, camping with family, taking daily trips to the river, watching the sunrise, and stargazing at night. His other interests included woodworking, traveling, and sports, especially soccer. He played soccer and baseball in high school, baseball for the Xerox team, and golf as an adult in which he secured a coveted hole-in-one. James worked most of his years as a skilled craftsman for Xerox. As a hard worker, he was recognized for not missing a day of work, helped establish flexible start-end work hours in support of families, and was accepted into a state apprenticeship program. He always found a way to work long, hard hours while also never missing his children’s functions. Prior to Xerox, he worked for Kodak and invested in his own semi-trailer as an owner-operator when he was a young man. He is forever loved, always held deep in our hearts. James’ visitation will be held Thursday ( April 18th) 5-7 PM where his prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM at Vay-Schleich & Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road. Interment, Riverside Cemetery on Friday, April 19th at 10:30 AM, (please meet and gather inside the cemetery gate) In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight Rochester or American Cancer Society in his memory.