Who Is James (Pete) L. Knight Son Gary Johnson? A Complete Look at His Family Connection and Legacy

When exploring the life of James (Pete) L. Knight, one discovers a story built on faith, family, and dedication. Pete Knight, a proud Air Force veteran and lifelong Iowan, left behind a strong legacy of love and service. Among his extended family, the name Gary Johnson often appears — a man connected to the Knight family through Pete’s daughter, Linda Knight.

While many assume Gary Johnson was Pete Knight’s son, historical records and family accounts reveal that Gary Johnson was actually the husband of Linda Knight, making him Pete Knight’s son-in-law, not his biological son. Still, as a member of this close-knit family, Gary Johnson played a role in continuing the Knight legacy across generations.

This detailed article explores the life of Gary Johnson, his connection to the Knight family, and the broader story of the family’s history and values.

James (Pete) L. Knight – The Patriarch of the Family

To understand Gary Johnson’s connection, it’s important to begin with James (Pete) L. Knight himself — a man whose life reflected the very essence of midwestern integrity. Born on May 25, 1928, in Goldfield, Iowa, Pete grew up on a farm where hard work was part of daily life.

After finishing high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving four years as a cryptographer. His service taught him discipline, attention to detail, and a sense of patriotism that guided him throughout his life.

Following his military service, Pete married Mildred Ogland on February 11, 1950, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love and family devotion. Together, they raised their children and instilled in them the values of humility, loyalty, and perseverance.

The Knight Family Tree

James (Pete) Knight and his wife Mildred built a strong family that included four children:

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

Sue Cross – West Des Moines, Iowa

Dale Knight (married to Ann) – Iowa Falls, Iowa

Ron Knight – Clive, Iowa

Their household was built on simple yet enduring principles — family comes first, work hard, and help your community.

Over the years, their children established lives of their own, spreading out from Iowa to other parts of the United States, including Florida. This expansion carried the Knight name — and its reputation — far beyond its rural roots.

Who Is Gary Johnson?

Gary Johnson entered the Knight family through marriage to Linda Knight, the eldest daughter of James (Pete) L. Knight and Mildred Knight. Although often mentioned in connection with the Knight name, Gary Johnson is Pete Knight’s son-in-law, not his biological son.

He and Linda settled in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where they made their home. The couple built a life focused on family, work, and maintaining strong ties to their Iowa roots. Together, they represent the continuation of the Knight family values — modesty, responsibility, and togetherness.

Gary Johnson’s Relationship with the Knight Family

Gary Johnson’s role in the Knight family went beyond that of a relative by marriage. Like his father-in-law Pete, Gary has been described as hardworking, kind, and community-oriented. Through his marriage to Linda, he became part of a family known for its respectability and quiet strength.

Pete and Mildred Knight raised their children in an environment where respect and honesty came before anything else. It’s fair to say that Gary Johnson, as Linda’s partner, carried those same principles into his own life and relationships.

The Children and Family Legacy

Linda and Gary Johnson are believed to have had children of their own, continuing the Knight family line. One name that appears in connection with the family is Nash Johnson, who is listed among Pete Knight’s grandchildren.

This connection suggests that Nash and possibly other Johnson family members continue the legacy of their grandparents — individuals who valued hard work, education, and service.

Gary Johnson’s Age and Early Life

Although specific public information about Gary Johnson’s birth date or early life isn’t available, it’s believed that he belongs to the same generation as Linda Knight, placing him likely within the late Baby Boomer era.

Like many Midwestern families of that generation, Gary likely grew up in a home that valued modest living, respect for others, and steady dedication to work.

Education and Career

Public information on Gary Johnson’s education and career is not available in open records. However, given the Knight family’s emphasis on education and personal integrity, it is reasonable to assume that Gary pursued a career that reflected these values.

Whether through professional work or local involvement, his life seems to embody the quiet, steadfast principles that defined his father-in-law, Pete Knight.

The Values Shared Between Pete Knight and Gary Johnson

Both men — Pete Knight and Gary Johnson — shared a set of guiding values that define Midwestern families:

Dedication to family: Both prioritized their loved ones and created environments where family bonds thrived.

Commitment to work: Pete’s service in the military and later years of farming were examples of hard work, while Gary’s life in Cocoa Beach suggests a consistent, stable career path.

Faith and community: Pete and Mildred were active members of their community and passed on those traditions. Gary and Linda likely carried these same values to their home in Florida.

The Knight Family’s Broader Network

Beyond Pete, Mildred, Linda, and Gary, the Knight family includes several relatives who have been integral to preserving their legacy.

Dale Knight, married to Ann, continued living in Iowa Falls and maintained ties to the local community.

Ron Knight settled in Clive, Iowa, staying close to the family’s home region.

Sue Cross, another of Pete and Mildred’s children, resides in West Des Moines.

Extended family members such as Frances Knight, Fern Shultz, and Phyllis Knight also played active roles in the Knight family network, offering support and helping preserve their family heritage across generations.

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

When James (Pete) L. Knight passed away on January 6, 2014, it marked the end of an era for the family. He was remembered as a man of strong moral values, unwavering dedication to his wife and children, and deep pride in his service to the country.

For Linda and Gary Johnson, his passing was a moment of both grief and reflection. It reaffirmed the importance of family — a legacy Pete had built throughout his life.

Today, the Knight family continues to honor his memory by living out the lessons he taught: work hard, stay humble, and keep family at the heart of everything.

Gary Johnson’s Role Today

As of current knowledge, Gary Johnson continues to live a private life with his wife, Linda Knight, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Their life reflects the generational passage of values from Iowa’s farmlands to Florida’s coastal serenity.

Even though Gary isn’t publicly active or widely profiled, his presence in the Knight family represents the lasting bond that connects generations. His story serves as a reminder that family isn’t defined by fame or recognition — it’s defined by shared love, values, and history.

The Knight Family’s Lasting Message

The story of James (Pete) L. Knight and his extended family — including Gary and Linda Johnson — is a reflection of how ordinary people build extraordinary legacies through commitment and love.

From Iowa to Florida, their lives symbolize resilience, compassion, and unity. Though not in the public spotlight, the family’s quiet strength continues to speak volumes about what it means to live a life guided by principles.

Conclusion

Gary Johnson, though not the biological son of James (Pete) L. Knight, holds a special place in the Knight family as a dedicated husband to Linda Knight and a devoted family man. His connection to Pete and Mildred Knight extends beyond name — it’s rooted in shared values, love, and respect.

As the family’s story continues across generations, their unity and humility stand as a timeless example of what truly matters in life.

For more inspiring family histories and legacy stories, visit Thegoted.com, where we celebrate lives that have quietly shaped communities across generations.