James Raymond (J.R.) Knowles

On April 1, 2018, James Raymond (J.R.) Knowles son of James William and Raymond Oldham Knowles peacefully passed away in his home, surrounded by his family. J.R was born September 5, 1937 in Avon, Utah. As a small child J.R. would often wander around the fields near his home with his father. J.R. loved to be outside and loved to walk. As a small boy he wandered off one Sunday to the local church house in Avon so he could show off his new cowboy boots. As he got a little older he was always seen working on the farm along side his father. They worked together for many years until his father’s passing. J.R. attended grade school in Paradise, graduated from South Cache High school and received his bachelor's degree from Weber State College. During his high school years, he won the heart of Myrna Anderson and they were sealed in the Logan Temple on April 20, 1956. In September of that same year, he joined the US Navy where he served for 4 years. His Naval service included stations in New York, California, Tennessee, Japan, Hawaii and Washington. He retired after 34 years from Hill Air Force Base but never retired from farming. Our parents have a deep love for one another and have enjoyed almost 62 years together. They have had many adventures including trips to Disneyland, Yellowstone, wintering in Yuma, Arizona and a few too many trips to the U of U hospital. They were blessed with seven children and he made sure they all knew the importance of honesty and the value of hard work. He taught them many valuable lessons about life as he worked next to his children on the family farm. He was a firm believer that if you work hard, you need to play hard. He sacrificed much so his children had opportunities to play hard. With his passing, J.R. has had a joyous reunion with his father and mother and brother Paul, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, seven children; Brett (Susan), Scott (Heather) Knowles, Troy Knowles,Melanie (Jack) O’Neill, Jill (Steve) Davis, Mike (Mindy) Knowles, Tricia (Brett) Broadhead and Doug Reader. He treasured and adored all 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
We love you and you will be missed. Thank you for teaching us life is “Wonderful, Wonderful,Wonderful!”
Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at the Paradise 1st Ward chapel, 9400 S. 100 East, Paradise, Utah, with a viewing prior from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and a viewing Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center St., Logan, Utah. Interment to follow in the Avon Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net .
Happy Trails to you until we meet again.