James B. McKnight, age 81 of Chrisman, Illinois passed away at 10:45 P.M. on Monday, May 29, 2023 at the Villas of Hollybrook in Danville, Illinois.

Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home in Paris, Illinois. Funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Chrisman American Legion Post #477.

James was born on January 5, 1942 in Union, Mississippi to Phillip Felix and Bonnie Syble (Fulton) McKnight. He married Wanda Maxine Fulton on June 4, 1961 in Long Beach, Mississippi.

James was an Area Manager for Tractor Supply Co. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. James was a member of Chrisman American Legion, Lions Club, and Knawbone Riders Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed woodworking, a well-manicured lawn, and sitting on his deck. James was an avid Mississippi State Football fan and he loved his '79 Ford truck "Bessie". Also, he loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events. The most important thing in his life was his family, especially his wife and two daughters.

He is survived by his wife: Wanda Maxine McKnight of Chrisman, Illinois; his children: Tracey Rademacher of Chrisman, Illinois, Gwen (Scott) Ross of Chrisman, Illinois; his five grandchildren: ReAnna Rademacher (Ryan Diener) of Chrisman, Illinois, Taylor (Christina) Ross of Mahomet, Illinois, Logan (Jessie) Ross of Marshall, Illinois, Nathan Ross of Chrisman, Illinois, Shelby (Brett) Simons of Scottland, Illinois; and his six great grandchildren: Nicholas Christopher, Olivia Rademacher, Lucas Ross, Evan Ross, Julianna Ross, and Henry Ross.

James is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Jared Rademacher, and his brother, Homer McKnight Sr.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

For more information and online condolences please go to www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com