Who is James (Pete) L. Knight’s Daughter Linda Knight? A Detailed Look at Her Life and Family Legacy

When people remember James (Pete) L. Knight, they think of a devoted husband, father, Air Force veteran, and hardworking American whose life reflected deep family values. But behind every legacy is a family that carries forward the stories, traditions, and principles that define it. Among them is his daughter Linda Knight, who continues to be an important part of the Knight family story — one built on love, service, and community.

This article dives deep into who Linda Knight is, her background, family relationships, and the remarkable life of her father, James (Pete) L. Knight, as well as the strong family network that supported him throughout his years.

Early Life and Family Background

Linda Knight was born into the loving household of James (Pete) L. Knight and Mildred Ogland Knight. Her father, affectionately known as Pete, was a proud Iowa native who built a reputation for integrity and hard work. He was born on May 25, 1928, in Goldfield, Iowa, and spent much of his youth growing up on a family farm — a place where the values of perseverance and honesty were learned early.

Her mother, Mildred Knight, was a devoted wife and the emotional anchor of the family. Together, Pete and Mildred created a nurturing environment for their children, teaching them about family unity, humility, and respect.

The Knight family was deeply rooted in Iowa values — community involvement, strong faith, and a shared commitment to supporting one another through all of life’s challenges.

Who Is Linda Knight?

Linda Knight, the daughter of James (Pete) L. Knight, is recognized as one of the four children who made up the close-knit Knight family. Public records and obituaries describe her as living in Cocoa Beach, Florida, alongside her husband Gary Johnson. This detail gives us a glimpse into her life outside of Iowa, showing that while she carried her family values forward, she also carved her own path away from her childhood home.

Though specific information about her education and career isn’t widely publicized, Linda represents the generational continuity of the Knight family — people who live modestly, prioritize family, and maintain deep ties to their roots.

James (Pete) L. Knight – A Legacy of Service and Dedication

To understand Linda’s upbringing, it’s essential to look at her father’s remarkable journey.

James “Pete” Knight lived a life marked by service and hard work. After completing high school in Iowa, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served four years as a cryptographer. His time in service not only honed his technical skills but also instilled discipline and resilience — qualities he later passed down to his children, including Linda.

After his military service, Pete built a career that reflected his strong Midwestern work ethic. He was respected in his community and known for his dedication both to his profession and to his family.

The Family Structure of James (Pete) L. Knight

Pete and Mildred Ogland Knight married on February 11, 1950, and shared a long, loving partnership that spanned over six decades. Together, they raised four children:

Linda Knight (married to Gary Johnson) – Cocoa Beach, Florida

Sue Cross – West Des Moines

Dale Knight (married to Ann) – Iowa Falls

Ron Knight – Clive

The couple’s children remained close throughout their lives, reflecting the bond and faith instilled by their parents.

Linda Knight’s Family Connections

Linda’s marriage to Gary Johnson connects her to another branch of the family tree that extends across Iowa and Florida. Although Gary’s personal and professional details are not publicly available, the couple’s life in Cocoa Beach suggests they chose a quieter, coastal lifestyle after years of Midwestern living.

Her siblings — Sue Cross, Dale Knight, and Ron Knight — represent the different paths the Knight children took as adults, yet all share the same foundation of strong family ties.

Siblings and Extended Family

Dale Knight

Dale, married to Ann Knight, resides in Iowa Falls. He is often mentioned in family obituaries and tributes, indicating his ongoing connection to the community and his role in keeping the family legacy alive in Iowa.

Ron Knight

Ron Knight lives in Clive, Iowa. Like his siblings, Ron has maintained a quiet life centered around family and community.

Sue Cross

Sue resides in West Des Moines. Her mention alongside her siblings in family tributes highlights the close relationship shared among them even as they live in different states.

Linda Knight’s Education and Career

While no public data provides specific insight into Linda Knight’s formal education or professional career, her life story fits within the values her parents upheld — dedication, responsibility, and family commitment.

Given her father’s disciplined background and emphasis on education and self-reliance, it’s likely Linda pursued her own professional path before settling in Cocoa Beach, Florida, with her husband.

Even though she lives away from Iowa, Linda remains tied to the family’s heritage through shared values and frequent connections with her siblings.

Influence of Mildred Knight (Linda’s Mother)

Mildred Ogland Knight played a pivotal role in shaping Linda’s character. As a wife and mother, Mildred was known for her unwavering support and gentle leadership. She provided balance to Pete’s strong personality, ensuring their children grew up in a warm, loving environment.

Mildred’s influence can be seen in how Linda and her siblings have carried forward her kindness and compassion. Family members recall her as a woman of quiet strength — one who led by example rather than words.

Grandparents and Family Heritage

Linda’s grandparents were Jay and Maude Kelling Knight, who raised their children in Iowa during the early 20th century.

They instilled in their son, James (Pete) Knight, a strong moral compass and the value of hard work — traits that have now been passed down through three generations.

Linda’s extended family also includes aunts and uncles such as Frances Knight, Fern Schultz, and Phyllis Knight, who played important roles in maintaining the family’s closeness. These extended relatives are often mentioned in obituaries and tributes, showing how tightly woven the Knight family network remains.

James (Pete) L. Knight’s Passing and Legacy

James L. Knight passed away peacefully on January 6, 2014, in Vero Beach, Florida, surrounded by his family. He left behind a legacy of service, faith, and love. His obituary paints a picture of a man who was devoted not only to his work and country but also to his wife and children — the foundation of his life.

For Linda, losing her father was undoubtedly a significant moment. His passing marked the end of an era, but his lessons and example continue to live on through her and her siblings.

Linda Knight’s Life Today

As of the latest available records, Linda continues to reside in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Her life reflects the quieter legacy of those who choose family and community over public attention. She represents the continuation of her father’s values — humility, love, and steadfast dedication to family.

While she has lived much of her life away from the public eye, Linda’s name remains an important part of the Knight family history, connecting generations from Iowa to Florida.

The Knight Family’s Values

The Knight family’s story — from Jay and Maude to James and Mildred, and now to Linda and her siblings — is one of tradition and endurance. Their legacy reflects the Midwestern ideals of integrity, community service, and family strength.

Each generation has carried forward the same moral fiber, choosing to live by example rather than seek public recognition. That quiet legacy of good character and humility is, perhaps, the greatest inheritance the Knights have passed on.

Conclusion

Linda Knight, the daughter of James (Pete) L. Knight and Mildred Ogland Knight, continues to honor her family’s legacy through her own life and relationships. While details about her professional career remain private, what’s clear is that she has lived according to the principles instilled by her parents — hard work, loyalty, and love of family.

Her father, James “Pete” Knight, remains remembered as a man of great character, a devoted husband, and a proud father whose life embodied the American spirit.

For readers interested in more family profiles and biographical insights, visit Thegoted.com, where we explore stories of legacy, family, and heritage that deserve to be remembered.