James Richard McKnight took his final flight home on February 10, 2021. James was born in Tampa, Fl and grew up in Winter Haven. After attending the University of Florida, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Aviation Cadet Program in 1954 and he received his Naval Aviator Wings a year later. In 1956 he met and married the love of his life Loretta Johnson. They raised 2 sons, James Jr., and Charles. Jim was hired by Eastern Airlines and moved his family to Atlanta, GA. After a fulfilling career as a commercial airline Captain, he was able to retire and move home to New Smyrna Beach, FL. Jim's next career was in fishing and golf. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret McKnight and his brother Michael. He is survived by his wife Loretta of New Smyrna Beach, sons, James (Nancy) of Peachtree City, GA and Charles (Robin) of Carrollton, GA and granddaughter Warren McKnight (Chris Phillips) of Knoxville, TN. Funeral services will be private. "To most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home." Anonymous