Deceased December 22, 1979

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In Memory

Jim Knox was killed in a single-car accident in suburban Boston on Dec. 22, 1979. He was engaged in the private practice of law in Boston and is survived by his wife, their 7-month-old son, his mother and brother Rob ’64. Jim’s father also graduated from the College with the class of 1926.

While at Amherst, Jim participated in many activities. He ran cross-country, was a member of Chi Psi fraternity and served as a freshman dorm advisor in his senior year. His honors thesis was on the works of Anthony Trollope; he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in his senior year and graduated magna cum laude.

Following graduation, Jim took a position with Deerfield Academy, where he taught English and served as a house master in one of Deerfield’s residence halls. During the summer holidays, Jim returned home to Basking Ridge, N.J. While there, he participated in several amateur theatrical productions, where he met his wife, Janet. They were married in the summer of 1972, after which they returned to Deerfield. Jim resumed his teaching and dormitory duties while Janet finished her degree in theater at the University of Massachusetts.

In the fall of 1975, Jim enrolled at Boston College Law School. He had chosen Boston College, he said, because the students there seemed to be enjoying their legal studies, a condition he did not find present at other law schools which he had visited. While at BC, Jim continued to display the academic excellence which had been the hallmark of his career at Amherst. He was invited to join the Boston College Law Review and served on its Board of Editors in his third year.

Following graduation from BC in the spring of 1978, Jim became associated with the Boston law firm of Goodwin, Procter & Hoar and practiced in that firm’s probate, trusts and estates department.

In May of 1979, Jim and Janet’s first child, Daniel, was born. Jim was particularly happy to have been able to accompany Janet into the delivery room and participate in the birth of their son. That moment, he later said, was one of the most joyful of his life, and his pleasure in fatherhood appeared boundless.

Those who knew Jim loved and admired him for his sincerity, grace, intelligence, wit and patience. These qualities allowed him to excel academically, professionally and personally. It is certain that in terms of potential and promise the class of 1970 has lost one of its most valuable members and best friends.

George Faris ’70