Rev. James E. Knox
September 21, 1925 ~ February 23, 2016
Rev. James E. Knox, of Scarborough, died peacefully at St. Joseph Rehabilitation and Residence in Portland on February 23, 2016. The beloved only child of William and Bertha (Pinette) Knox, he was born in Parkman, Maine, September 21, 1925, and was part of the large, extended Pinette family who lived nearby. His education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Parkman, and continued at Guilford High School, Boston College, and St. Johns Seminary. His service to the Church began early in his childhood as an altar boy for Rev. Boland at Holy Family Church in Sangerville. He was ordained into the Catholic priesthood at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland on April 11, 1951, and celebrated his first Mass at Holy Family Church. During his 45 years of full-time parish ministry, Fr. Knox served as Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Conception Church, Calais, St. Josephs Church, Portland, and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland. He was Founding Pastor at St. Gregorys Church, Gray, and Pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Brunswick, and at Holy Cross Church, South Portland. He also served as Chaplain at Father Carey Camp and as Director of Camp Gregory. Following his retirement in 1996, he accepted temporary assignments at St. Marys Church in Westbrook and St. Philips Church in Lyman. For many years, he celebrated Mass regularly at several other churches, including St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough, which hosted a 90th birthday celebration for him last year. In addition to his parish ministry, he had a long record of service in the Diocese, including Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Diocesan Board of Education, Vicar Forane of Sagadahoc/Lincoln Deanery and Southern Cumberland Deanery, Diocesan Personnel Board, Board of Trustees of the Clergy Benefit Plan, and Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Cheverus Council #2344, South Portland. He also ministered to the Sisters of Mercy in Portland with weekly Masses and visits. On the occasion of his 40th jubilee as a priest, Fr. Knox was recognized by Bishop Gerry as a priest whose counsel is sought by parishioners, fellow priests and bishops alike because of your wisdom, experience and Christ-like treatment of others. While Fr. Knox devoted his life to the Church, he delighted in his extended family with regular visits, often accompanied by his dog and with a camera in hand. He had an excellent memory of family members and history, and was the source of family news for all. Known by his family as Fr. Jim, he rarely missed holiday gatherings and birthday parties, and he officiated at many family baptisms, weddings and funerals. Fr. Jim knew every soul in his large family and cared for them all. He will be greatly missed. Fr. Knox is survived by first cousins: Ruth Mills of Yarmouth, Gloria Gallant of Portland, Thomas Wyman of Guilford, Maurice Wyman of Derby CT, Robert Wyman of Danbury CT, Katherine Spencer of Pittsfield, Lucille Chambers of Sangerville, Andrea Pinette of Dover-Foxcroft, Joseph Pinette of Abbott, and David Pinette of Houston, TX; their families; many other members of the extended Pinette family; friends in the religious community; and many parishioners. The family wishes to thank dear friend Joel Anderson and the staff at St. Josephs Rehabilitation and Residence for their loving care of Fr. Jim in his final days. Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a Reception of the Body and Liturgy of the Hours at 3PM on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Fr. Knox will lie in State at St. Maximillian Kolbe from 4-7PM on Wednesday. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at St. Maximilian Kolbe with The Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., as principle celebrant. Rev. Stephen F. Concannon will be the homilist. Burial will be held at a later date at Lawn Cemetery, Guilford. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland.
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I had the privilage of knowing and serving Mass for Fr. Knox some 60 years ago at the Cathedral in Portland. I will never forget his kindness, humor and decency. He was an exceptional , very human, and humble priest and friend. God Bless you Father,and thank you for your lifelong friendship.
– Mike McDonough
I will miss you so much but I take comfort in the times we had together. Thank you for your patience, advice and love. You inspired me to become a better Catholic / Christian. Be at peace my friend!
– Ron McClay
During my teen years, we were priviledged to have Fr. Knox as pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Brunswick, ME. He was a thoughtful, considerate, and kind man. I always enjoyed his homilies and was inspired by then to be a devout Catholic. Then in 1980 he officiated my wedding, a strong marriage that has lasted 36 years. My husband and I remember our premarital counceling sessions with Fr. Knox and rely on much of his advice still today. We miss you and pray for you, may your soul rest in peace.
– Michael and Susan Lambert , Poquoson, VA
Fr. Jim Knox was a faithful priest and a dear man who was our pastor at St. Charles Parish when we first came to Maine many years ago. When I asked him if I could be a lector, he said, “Why not? You can start next Sunday.” It didn’t matter to him that there were no other women filling that ministry at the time. Later he was my “boss” when I was the religious education director and I gave him ample opportunities to practice his patience as I presented him with all sorts of new-fangled ideas to try out in the parish. But we became good friends and I shall miss him. Enjoy your eternal reward, Jim!
– Gloria Hutchinson
Anna & myself visited Father a few days before his passing. We have been honored to have been friends with Fr. Knox for many years. We send our condolences to family members. God blessed us with a wonderful priest.
– Leo & Anna Lambert
Father Knox was like a member of our family when he was in Gray at St. Gregory’s. We were with him from the very start of that parish. He came back for my mother ‘s funeral and then again to perform my wedding ceremony 44 years ago. He will be greatly missed by me and all the lives he touched. He is probably having coffee with my Mom right now!
– Judith Ryan Cross
Our Council has lost a Brother Knight, great friend, advisor, mentor and spiritual councilor! We celebrate the life ministry of Fr. Jim, his love and inspiration to all that were truly blessed to know him. Fr. Jim was recognized and elected “Chaplain of the Year” for the state of Maine by the Maine State Council K of C! Fr. Jim has gone home to be with our God and savior, he is at peace. Sadly missed and loved, your Brother Knights
– Ron McClay Grand Knight
It was with profound sadness that we learned of Father Knox’s passing. He has been very special to George since George was a young boy over 60 years ago. And we are certain that our Lord greeted Father with open arms. Father Knox is home, and we are happy for him. However, our hearts are heavy knowing that we will not get to hug him again. But thankfully, George did get to talk to him a few weeks ago and let him know that he loved him and would pray for him, and George will always remember Father’s kind and loving response. May Father Knox rest in peace and God bless him.
– George, Thea & Amy Lane
Fran Fontaine and wife of deceased husband Robert.Fr. James Knox was a part of their family, he christened their sons, married them as well. And finally stayed by Fran side as Bobby was passing at Scar. Hospice.He was so beloved by this family and sorely will be so missed. Sincerely, Fontaine family
– Fran Fontaine
Fr. Knox was such a beloved human being and priest. Should all priest use his demeanor as example of human kindness.He always remembered when I would reference to a family member.He is going to be greatly missed. J.A.Cairns Fontaine
– JACQUELINE FONTAINE
Father Knox married us at St Charles Borromeo Parish, Brunswick Maine in 1980. He knew my family well and was such a lovely man.God speed Father.
– Chris & Mary Simmon
I have been inspired by Father Knox for my entire lifetime.I don’t think a finer man or a finer priest has ever walked on this earth.May your soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
– ted borduas
Father Knox was one of my childhood heroes. He chose me to be an altar boy when I was a third grader at Cathedral School in Portland. Serving on the altar was a very prestigious thing for young Catholic boys in 1963. Father Knox treated all of us with great kindness, dignity and respect. He was a great inspiration and role model for everyone he met. The last time I saw him was in the late 1980s when he was the pastor at Holy Cross Church in South Portland. He said he remembered me and enjoyed having me as one of his altar boys. I thanked him for giving me the honor and told him about the positive impact he had on my life. Father Knox was the very personification of all that a priest should be. I will never forget him. Rest in peace Father. Farewell and Godspeed.
– Rick Wright
Father Knox was a great friend & inspiration to all who were fortunate to have known him personally as well as the Priest of their Parish.
– Nancy B. McMinn
Fr. Knox was the most caring priest. He helped out a lot at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Windham Maine and I really got to serve with him on many occasions Had many good breakfasts with him along with dinners some times when he would be serving at our parish. He was truly very caring and will be missed.
– Margaret Doyon
Father Knox was one of the best people I have known my entire lifetime. Humble, caring and always with a wry smile that was captivating. He helped me and my brother at Camp Gregory during our childhood more than I can ever express. I spent a day with him about 8 years ago, it was wonderful. I told him then how much I felt his generosity impacted my life. Without Father Knox, my life would be very different, I am certain. Father Knox will serve as a role model for all who have had the good fortune to have known him.
– Stephen Shoemaker
A great man has gone home. My parents, John and Lillian Buckley, were lifelong parishionersat Holy Cross Church. Father Knox was a friend, counselor, confidante and so much more to them, and remained so long after he left Holy Cross. His presence surrounded you with calm,happiness, and truly unconditional love. He was a gift to all in our family. Thank you, Father Knox.
– Peggy Buckley
FATHER KNOX HAD ALWAYS HAD A COUPLE CUTE JOKES TO TELL US IN CLASS, HE WAS SPECIAL1
– former student of cathedral
Fr. Jim was a great influence on my family and myself. I keep him in my prayers and always will; he is missed.
– Mary Getchell Buttermore
Memories are flowing of our beloved Father Knox. He shepherded his people in true fashion of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Fr. Knox was replacing the vacationing Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Portland, when, in 1984, our husband/father had surgery to remove a cancerous, esophageal tumor. Father anointed Romeo with Sacrament of the Sick, giving us comfort and hope. It was touch and go the day after surgery. We did not leave Romeo’s side. Fr. Knox spent that entire evening with us, commenting that he was grateful he wasn’t needed to minister to other patients. We reminisced about his time in Brunswick, about his dog, Pud, and about his aunt, Sister Jean-Marie Pinette, O.S.U., a dear friend who had served as Principal/Teacher at St. John’s School, and Superior of St. John’s Convent. While visiting Romeo the next day, Father told us upon his return home, he found a full answering machine and his phone was ringing off the wall! Hospital staff had been paging him all evening. Father had forgotten to turn on his pager! Providential intervention allowed him to stay with us…and we are eternally grateful.Father Knox’s presence was always appreciated. He graced us with his spiritual support at our husband/father’s wake and funeral in 1984 and following our son/brother’s murder in 1996.We were honored to join him at his jubilees. We’ve no doubt that his 65th ordination of Priesthood on April 11 will be a grand celestial celebration! And we had fun surprising him a few times by attending Mass at Holy Cross in South Portland. He would introduce us and address us as The Nadeau Girls. We are now 92 and 64…anything but girls…but we enjoyed this endearing term and we shall always appreciate his love and kindness.Thank you, Father Knox, for your unyielding strength and insatiable and profound faith.Surely your mantra was these words by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. “The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions…the little, soon forgotten charities of a hug or a smile, a kind look, a stern but necessary comment, or a heartfelt compliment.”Know that you will be sorely missed, dear friend.Love,The Nadeau Girls…Marcelle and Pauline
– Marcelle and Pauline Nadeau
I’ll miss you. May your soul rest in peace
– Mary Jane Ashley
Father James was the most kind, thoughtful, caring, and loving man. He has always been so supportive of our family and shared many holidays with us. He shared in our wedding ceremony and recently sent flowers for Paul’s passing. Thank You and God Bless You Father James. You are greatly missed and your love and strength will be remembered.
– Anne, Andy, and Rachel Lachance
To the Knox family and anybody else,I was so so sorry to hear about father knox passing.Kristen tully
– Kristen Tully
Our paths crossed later in your life’s journey Fr. Knox, but that “twinkle” in your voice, the love and kindness and wonderful faith you shared with your “flock” has truly helped guide me in my own journey. Thank you for showing us the joy of being a child of God in this world and now, in the next.
– Nancy Callahan