John “Jack” Knight passed away peacefully on May 8th 2015 with his loved ones by his side. Jack lived his life as a cowboy and he treated everyday as a competition relentlessly trying to achieve qualities that made him unique, noteworthy, and memorable. Throughout his life, Jack carved out a reputation as a spirited competitor that prided himself with the ability to work hard and play hard. Jack was fueled by a need to be his own man, a focus that he accomplished in countless ways until the very end. Jack knew that with hard work anything was possible and if you worked hard enough something good was bound to happen. His favorite saying was “never, never, never give up” a saying that fit his personality perfectly. Everybody that knew Jack knew that his work ethic was unrivaled, but he also cared about others and their successes. You could see that in his smile, a smile that would light up the room.
Jack was born on May 3rd, 1943 to Lois and Gordon “Bub” Knight in Muskegon, Michigan. His family moved to Montana where Jack was raised with his little sister Joan. Jack attended grade school in White Sulphur Springs and graduated high school in Lavina, Mt. Jack had a love for rodeo where he competed in saddle bronc and bareback riding during summer rodeos, where he made many of his lifelong friends. On June 26th, 1971 Jack married Patricia “Patty” Buckingham and together they had three children. Jack worked at the lumber mill in White Sulphur Springs, as well as on the Jensen Ranch in Lavina and the Dean Thorson Ranch in White Sulphur Springs. Jack also tried his hand in ranching, was a fence contractor, and the local brand inspector for many years.
Jack’s legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren in whom you can see his tenacious spirit and love for life. Jack was a wonderful teacher and motivator in which his family is forever grateful, a quality that you can see in the success of his children and family. Jack gave us strength and he gave us the confidence to live our lives and achieve our goals. These were qualities of Jack’s that you could see even later in life, as he hung up the spurs and traded in the horse for golf clubs and a cart where he spent much of his time enjoying the challenge of the game.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Bub and Lois Knight. He is survived by his wife, Patty Knight, their three children, Megan (Rodger) Shroyer, George (Crystal) Knight, Susie (Justin) Jessop, five grandchildren, Jack, Beau, Liam, Millie and Rhett his sister Joan Knight (Richard) Krantz, three nieces, Karman Klundt, Karla Gillin, Katie Decker and one nephew, Kasey Krantz.
Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 16th, 2015, in White Sulphur Springs, MT at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Mayn Cemetery. Celebration of his life will be held at the Red Barn next to Marga and Reidar Johnson’s home located at 102 10th Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations towards the White Sulphur Springs Youth Golf League can be sent to PO Box 643, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645 noting in memory of Jack Knight. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jack please visit below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Saturday May 16, 2015
St. Bartholomew' Catholic Church
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial
Immediately following the funeral Mass
Saturday May 16, 2015
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana
Celebration of His Life
Immediately following the burial
Saturday May 16, 2015
The Red Barn
102 10th Avenue
White Sulphur Springs, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Saturday May 16, 2015
St. Bartholomew' Catholic Church
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial
Immediately following the funeral Mass
Saturday May 16, 2015
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana
Celebration of His Life
Immediately following the burial
Saturday May 16, 2015
The Red Barn
102 10th Avenue
White Sulphur Springs, Montana
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Ramona Niewoehner says
Jack will be missed and remembered by so many. I have so many great memories of our younger days. Patty and I following all the rodeos to watch Jack ride. The parties afterwards! Being Jack and Patty’s maid of honor at their wedding and going out to the ranch after Meagan’s wedding in my old maid of honor dress. Jack running across the yard and swinging me around saying “This brings back old times!” He was a good man and I will miss him. My heart goes out the family.
Jill Howard says
Meg, Rodger and family,
Our sincerest sympathy on the loss of Jack. We know how much he will be missed and we send our love.
Jill, Trent, Cutter and Holden
Dayna Shepherd says
My heart goes out to the family of a kind, kind and fun man. We got to know Jack better as a brand inspector before the 4H fair. Jack was so kind to the kids. I had a lot of fun golfing with Jack in league and talking Griz football. He was full of personality. You will be missed Jack!
Bill and Chris Dodson says
We had the pleasure of getting to know Jack thru golf at Arrowhead Meadows. You could almost set your watch to him showing up, signing in, and heading out in his golf cart daily. The last few years he would come to our home,usually on a cold snowy day, to be one of the first to pay for his yearly golf membership. We remember him bringing one of his daughters for a lesson on a miserably cold and rainy day. He simply said that she would not melt. Someday when we get a lucky break on the golf course, we can just bet that it will be Jack helping us along. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
Bill and Chris Dodson
Charlotte Parsons says
Patty and Family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Jack. Gladyou could all be by his side. He left a beautiful legacy and will never be forgotten. May the love of family and friends carry you through this time of sorrow. Please lean on the God of all comfort for strength and peace.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Revelation 21:4-5
My sincere sympathy
Carol Carlson Forney says
I am so sad to hear about Jack. Although I haven t seen him in many years, I have many great memories of Jack. He was a great guy. Patti, I send all my love to you.
Ron Russell says
we we’re friends in college at EMC.a lot of fun to be with,wish I had golfed with him.