John William Knowles

John William Knowles May 8, 1931 - April 12, 2011

Judge John W. (Johnny) Knowles age 80, passed away on Tuesday April 12, 2011 at home with his family at his side. Johnny was born in Greenville, Texas to the late Thelma Armetta Greer Knowles and Harold Frances Knowles. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Carolyn Pelitier and stepfather Frances Wagner all of Nederland. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church Johnny Knowles move to Port Arthur in 1950 where he met and married his sweetheart, Laura Campbell. He joined the Port Arthur Police Dept. in 1951 and in 1956, while the night patrol sergeant, Johnny left the department to purchase Placette Ambulance Service. Johnny owned and operated Knowles Ambulance Service from 1956 until 1974 and was past Civil Defense Director the City of Port Arthur & member of Port Arthur Kawanis club. He was elected to Jefferson County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 where he served his constituents for 22 years. Judge Knowles was active in the East Texas Justice of the Peace and Constables' Association where he served as President, and was a ten year board member served as secretary and treasurer of Justice of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas. He was also appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to serve on the Justice Court Education Committee and the Information Technology Task Force of the Texas Commission of Judicial Efficiency. Judge Knowles was also recognized on numerous occasions by Southwest Texas State University for continued advancement of the criminal justice system of Texas. Judge Knowles is survived by his wife of 60 years, Laura Campbell Knowles; daughters Laura Maxwell of Port Arthur; Jeannie and husband Roger Valles of Fort Worth; sons Bobby Knowles and wife Kerry of Buna, Kevin Knowles and wife Lauryi of Tyler. Johnny is also survived by his sisters: Marilyn Brown and husband Ronnie of Vidor; Connie Berry and husband Arthur of Beaumont; and Mary Frances Lundgren of Houston, along with numerous special nieces and nephews; grandchildren: Nathan and Ingrid Knowles; Ricky and Kristen Knowles; Paul and John Maxwell; Rachel and Rebecca Knowles; Amy and Nate Hall; Jessica Rodriguez and Kyle Kaiser; James Knowles; Barbara Knowles and Scott Taylor; Cheryl Knowles and Brandon Adams; Jon W. and Dr. Amy Knowles; Garrett and Jessica Robbins; Shonda Robbins and Jeff Wallace; and great grandchildren: Alisa, Tacey, Sophia, Jaiden, Riley, Brooklyn, Kaydence and Adalee. And his faithful canine guard Oso. Judge Johnny Knowles will be missed; he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. A reception and gathering of friends will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene fellowship hall at 39th and Memorial in Port Arthur following the service.