James E McKnight

Bishop James E. McKnight was a life-long resident of Gainesville, FL. He was married to Mother Jessie Camps McKnight over 67-years. They have four children, Janice, James, Jr., John, and Jonathan. He has eight grands and seven great-grandchildren. He was born into the Church of God by Faith (COGBF) and became a full-pledged member in June 1953. Bishop McKnight graduated from Lincoln High School and attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. He was called to serve the U.S. Army during the Korean War and received special training as a sergeant in the Intelligence Division. He then attended leadership training at a seminary in Meridian, MS and became an ordained minister of the COGBF in 1957. He taught minister's training classes at Matthew Scippio Academy and later received an Honorary Doctoral Degree. Bishop McKnight was first appointed as a deacon in 1957 for one month under the leadership of his father, Ruling Elder H. A. McKnight, Sr. He was appointed Senior Pastor of Gainesville but also pastored in Hopewell, Hawthorne, Raleigh, and Gainesville #2. He has faithfully served as Senior Pastor of Gainesville COGBF for over 54-years. In December 1960, he was appointed Executive Secretary of the COGBF and held that position until 1984. He was then appointed Assistant Bishop in August 1970 and held both the position of Executive Secretary and Assistant Bishop until 1984. He was appointed Presiding Bishop in 1984 and served until December 2014. Bishop McKnight was also very involved in his community and has served as a Board Member of the Eastside Clinic and Development Project and the Black-on-Black Crime Task Force for many years. He was also instrumental in providing shelter to the residents of a major apartment community that was displaced by fire. He has received several awards as a distinguished leader in the Gainesville Community and is highly respected locally and in the National Church. Bishop McKnight was preceded in death by his mother, father, and siblings: Vernetta Bostic, Edith Bryant, Sarah Camps, Dec. Aaron McKnight, Dec. Horace A. McKnight, II., Alfred McKnight, Betty Hutchinson, and Eld. Charles A. McKnight. He was also preceded in death by his in-loves, Eld. Joseph Camps, Bishop Walter Camps, Dec. Leon Daymon, Mother Delia McKnight, Mother Georgia McKnight, Dec. Rollie Hutchinson, Dec. Horace Sanford, Bro. Willie Sanders and son-in-love, Dec. C.W. Phillips. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife, Lady Jessie and their four children: Janice Phillips, Presiding Bishop James McKnight, Jr. (Lady Delois), Dec. John McKnight (Phyllis), and Pastor Jonathan McKnight; His grands: Candace Jordan (Nick), John McKnight, Jr. (Katrina), James McKnight, III (Kendra), Jessica Lucas (Alonzo), Devin McKnight (Lashay), Carla McKnight, Chase Phillips, and Jonathan (Jay) McKnight, Jr.; His remaining siblings, Mother Gloria Daymon, Supt. Willie McKnight, Sr. (Dora), siblings-in-love Barbara McKnight, Janie Sanford, Pearlie Sanders and, Jaycee Camps. He also leaves seven adorable great grands: Joel "JP" and Lilia McKnight, Madison and Alonzo "AJ" Lucas, Laila and Devin "DJ" McKnight and Riley Jordan. He also leaves scores of nieces, nephews, cousins, and the extended Church of God by Faith Family in the Lord. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be mailed to the Bishop James E. McKnight Scholarship Fund, Church of God by Faith, 2409 Old Middleburg Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32210.

Tributes

James E McKnight

March 14, 1930 - May 29, 2021