James D. Knight, 47, of Guys Mills Road, Meadville, died Monday, May 5, 2008, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born Oct. 4, 1960, in Kenton, Ohio, he was a son of Kenneth and Mary Byham Knight.

He attended Maplewood High School. He was previously self-employed in the auto-body business.

He was an independent spirit who loved being surrounded by nature, hunting, fishing and camping. He loved his two faithful dogs, Thor and Grizzly. He also liked spending his time cooking and drawing.

Survivors include his father of Meadville; a daughter, Ashley Wagler and her husband, Todd, of Cochranton; three sons, Jeffery Knight of Meadville, and James Knight and Dawson Knight, both of Ohio; three sisters, Bev McGowan and her husband, Dan, of Meadville, Cindy Knight of Cochranton and Sandra Knight of Meadville; a brother, Brian Knight and his wife, Becca, of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother; and a niece, Nicole Ann Scott.

There will be a memorial service Saturday at 3 p.m. at Colonel Crawford Park at Woodcock Dam, officiated by Pastor Larry Krauser of Church of Christ, Kittanning.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 448 Pine St., or to the family c/o Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home, 614 Baldwin St., both of Meadville, Pa. 16335.

Please sign the guestbook at www.hatheway-tedesco.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home and Crematory, 614 Baldwin St., Meadville.