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James Earl Knowles, Sr.

10/6/1942 - 3/17/2016

Text:

Obituary For James Earl Knowles, Sr.

Chesapeake, Virginia

James Earl Knowles, Sr. (PeeWee) went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 17, 2016 with loved ones by his side.

He was born on October 6, 1942 in South Mills, NC and was a long time resident of Chesapeake, VA.

James, son of the late William "Bill" Knowles and Hazel F. O'Kelly Knowles, grew up farming. As an adult he owned Knowles Mechanical and worked as a diesel mechanic and welder. He subcontracted with Roadway and other companies fixing eighteen wheelers. After retiring, he became a landscaper/horticulturist until December 2015. He worked hard all of his life.

He was a humble, down-to-earth man who loved his wife and family. He enjoyed the outdoors, whether he was on his tractor, farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, raising baby chickens, watching birds or recreating in nature. He was also a caring man who loved children and was always ready to help another in need. He was a good friend to his neighbors, to the breakfast 'regulars' at the Bainbridge Blvd. Hardees and to the staff and patrons of Lawrence Pharmacy. He will forever remain in our hearts and memories.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife and best friend Kimberly, and three children, Spencer, Faith and Jeremiah; four sisters, Jean K. Pfaehler, Virginia Williams, Charlsie Knowles, Betty Lewis and husband John; five brothers, William Knowles and wife Phyllis, John Knowles, Paul Knowles and wife Dale, Ray Knowles, Marvin Knowles and wife Katy, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Margaret Scott in 2015.

A celebration of James' life will be held on March 30, 2016 at 2 p.m. at The Bridge Christian Fellowship, 1116 Hillwell Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bank of Hampton Roads to the Kimberly T. Knowles Children's Educational Fund to assist with the education of James' three children.

Friends are invited to share a memory and sign the online guest book at simplycremationonline.com.

"When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little – but not too long. And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me – but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss Me – But Let me Go." Author Unknown

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Condolences

  • 04/08/2021

    Carol Ginger

    With Love and Remembrance.

  • 04/08/2021

    Clara Phillips Powers

    To all the Knowles Family: You all are in my thoughts and prayers but like it said his soul is free and he is in a better place, free of pain.

  • 04/08/2021

    Jeff bryan

    Our hearts and prayers go out to the knowles family. We will miss him dearly. R I P Brother James

  • 04/08/2021

    Christine

    We were together 20 years and even after we went our separate ways (six years ago) you and I still confided in each other until the end. You never stopped helping me, always fixing things in my house, working and planting flowers in my yard, working on my car, bringing me dinner or helping me with my bills. You helped to raise my daughter as your own from the time she was 6 years old until she left home. You made sure the grandkids always had everything they needed at home, school or on holidays. You were a true example of a good man who lived right and worked so hard your whole life. Your heart was bigger than you. I love you James and I will never stop missing you. Christine

  • 04/08/2021

    Polly Salisbury

    James, Tracy and I remember you as a very hard working man who loved Christine, and was always doing giving more then taking , Betty your mother in law really thought highly of you, and you of her also.RIP James.

  • 04/08/2021

    Christine

    I remember us getting this picture taken together at the church. You looked so handsome and the shirt matched your eyes. I miss you talking to you, getting your advice, all your help when my mother passed, all the good dinners you cooked and made me (Chicken & Dumplings, Vegetable Beef Stew, Deviled Eggs, Potato Salad) you were such a good cook. The Hardess Biscuits in the morning or the BBQ for lunch...the eggs you brought me from your chickens, the vegetables from your garden or your brothers farm...This will be the first summer without that. You were my savior on earth and I miss you more that anyone will ever know. Love you, Christine

  • 04/08/2021

    Christine

    I remember us getting this picture taken together at the church. You looked so handsome and the shirt matched your eyes. I miss talking to you, getting your advice, all your help when my mother passed, all the good dinners you cooked and brought me (Chicken & Dumplings, Vegetable Beef Stew, Deviled Eggs, Potato Salad) you were such a good cook. The Hardess Biscuits in the morning or the BBQ for lunch...the eggs you brought me from your chickens, the vegetables from your garden or your brothers farm...This will be the first summer without that. You were my savior on earth and I miss you more that anyone will ever know. Love you, Christine

  • 04/08/2021

    Christine

    Thinking of you on your birthday and wishing you were here to celebrate your 74th with us. Love and miss you, Christine

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