James Edward Knox

James (Jim) Edward Knox, 80, of Estero, FL passed away peacefully on the morning of December 25, 2020 with his loving wife, Jo, by his side after a prolonged battle with cancer. Jim was born on October 18, 1940 to Margaret and Everett Knox in Detroit, MI. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in chemical engineering, he went on to a successful career with Hercules, Rhone Poulenc and Brunswick, in several executive roles. Jim was driven in his career as well as his pastimes. He was an avid fly fisherman, grouse hunter, competitive golfer, hockey player and coach, skier, pilot and sports enthusiast. He was especially a fan of his beloved Michigan Wolverines, and Philadelphia Flyers and Eagles. If you were a block away and he was watching one of his teams, you would certainly hear his commentary. Jim spent his summers at his home in Lovells, MI on the Au Sable River. He was fortunate to spend his entire life fishing the river with several generations of his family, having started early in a family fishing cabin his grandfather built in 1928. He was dedicated to keeping the Au Sable protected for future generations of fishers and enjoyed many friendships of those that were like-minded in their love for the river and the sport. In 1998, Jim met Jo Gallico, his final love and they were married amongst friends and family in the Turks and Caicos in 2006. They enjoyed golf, traveling and many friendships. Jo proved to be the perfect foil, balancing Jim’s linear engineering background and competitive nature with her joie de vivre and camp counselor levels of energy. Jim was equally dedicated to Jo as his life partner and enjoyed her constant companionship. Jim was a family man and dedicated to providing for his family. He enjoyed seeing his children and grandchildren at the Delaware shore, at the Dakota Lodge in Lovells for the drake hatch, and for Christmas in Estero. Jim loved Christmas. The family has many memories of Nat King Cole on the speakers and Jim in his signature turtleneck on Christmas morning. It is fitting that we’ll get to remember, and raise a toast, to Jim every Christmastime. Jim was predeceased by his first wife, Judy, his parents and brother, Gordon. He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Gallico; his three children Jennifer (Carl) Korz, Tom Knox and Melissa (Chris) Modarelli; his brother Frank Knox and his sister Karen Tom; and his four grandchildren, Ellery, Olivia, Arden and Dominic. A celebration of his life will be held in the future and details will be communicated through local channels. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ausable North Branch Area Foundation: https://www.ausablenorthbranch.org/donate Or by mail: Au Sable North Branch Area Foundation, P.O. Box 2524, Grayling, MI 49738 To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

James Edward Knox

October 18, 1940 - December 25, 2020