James E. Knox, 87, longtime teacher, coach and counselor, passed away at CHP Defiance Hospice on Oct. 20, 2019. Jim was born June 3, 1932, in Sugarcreek, the son of Jesse and Florence (Stevanus) Knox.
He married Wanda Mast Nov. 17, 1951 and shortly after served in the army during the Korean Conflict until 1953.
Jim regularly attended the Chapel of Faith in Florida and was a 40-year member of Crossroads Evangelical Church in Wauseon.
His faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, was important, especially while suffering with cancer the last 7 months of his life. He loved his family very much and his family loved him and will miss him always.
Jim loved coaching, and through basketball and golf he touched many young men’s lives. He was inducted into the Bluffton University hall of fame along with two of his championship golf teams who qualified for the NAIA tournament in 1974 and 1975.
Jim was an avid golfer and also loved watching sports. He faithfully followed The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians and Browns. He retired in 1994 after 16 years of guidance counseling for Wauseon Schools. Jim and his wife were “snowbirds”, traveling back and forth to Florida for 27 years.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda, and was married to her for 67 years. They have 4 children: Deborah (Richard) Gavigan, Belgrade, MT; Ron (Diane) Knox, New Philly, OH; Beth (Jim) Holman, Wauseon, OH; Jamie (Doug) Beachy, Loveland, OH. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, brothers Steve and Don. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Bill, Mary Louise and Harriet.
Visitation will take place Fri., Nov. 1st from 2-8 with a Celebration of Life service on Sat., Nov. 2nd, 11:00 at Crossroads Evangelical Church, Wauseon. Short Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
The Family requests that memorials go to Crossroads Evangelical Church or CHP Defiance Hospice.