Memorable Manitobans: James Alexander “Jim” Knight (1934-2022)

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James Alexander Knight
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Farmer, municipal official.

Born at Portage la Prairie on 24 July 1934, son of James and Williamina Knight, he attended Longburn School, Westbourne School, and Neepawa Central School. He trained in diesel mechanics in Winnipeg and, in 1953, returned to the Longburn area to farm with his two uncles, James and Charlie Paterson.

In 1955, he married Jean Craig of Portage la Prairie and they had three children. He was a councillor (14 years) and Reeve (1987-2006) of the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie and he served as President of the Union of Manitoba Municipalities (1991-1993). He also volunteered with community hockey, 4H, and Manitoba Pool Elevators. He served on the board of the Portage and District Hospital Foundation and numerous provincial boards and committees. In recognition of his community service, he was made a Life Member of the Manitoba Good Roads Association.

He died at Portage la Prairie on 30 September 2022.

Sources:

Obituary, McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 6 November 2023