William Jacob "Jay" Knott

William Jacob "Jay" Knott, born in Abilene, Texas, in February 1968, passed away on January 10, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loved ones and friends.

A graduate of Nacogdoches High School in Nacogdoches, Texas, where shenanigans were carried out and only three of his teachers took early retirement after having him as a student. His philosophy was: "Go to the concert or ball game, surround yourself with great people and stay the hell out of their way!"

Jay died knowing that Monty Python and the Holy Grail was the best movie ever, followed closely by The Princess Bride. Foo Fighters and U2 will always top his playlist. He also wants everyone to know that hot sauce is a required condiment for absolutely any food!

Jay volunteered his service in the United States Army, where he did a stint in Korea. He enjoyed many things in life, including live music, cold beer, free beer, war movies, the Texas Rangers, and, above all, his family.

Evidence of Jay's prowess as a hilarious, irreverent, and kind person is seen in the many memories and stories told by coworkers, youth ministry leaders, young adults, and his various friends and acquaintances over the years. His amazing work ethic, compassion, and naturally sarcastic nature led to a lengthy career in nursing.

Everyone has regrets in life, and Jay was no exception. His regrets were few but included feeling invincible as a younger man. His biggest regrets were not spending more time with his kids and robbing Kathi of a decade or more of growing old together and laughing at all the thousands of simple things they loved to enjoy.

Jay is survived by his overly-patient wife, Kathi, the love of his life; his mother, Carolyn Knott of Nacogdoches, Texas; daughter, Regan Campbell and husband Michael of Cushing, Texas; daughter, Kenedy Green, husband Logan, and grandson Jensen of Leonard, Texas; son, Daniel Knott of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; bonus kiddo, Blade Bridges and fiancé Lucien Tilley of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Brenna Stanley and husband Michael of Nacogdoches, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father, William Raymond Knott, and his sister, Regina Knott.

Jay believed in paying it forward, and the goodwill he leaves behind will endure long after he is gone. As his last request: "Tie a few on, tell a story or two in remembrance of me."

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jay's name to Rokavet, Tenaciously Teal, or a charity of your choosing.
Rokavet: Mail donations to 429 NE Elmhurst Ave, Bartlesville, AR 74006 or send to their CashApp $islandhopper11
Tenaciously Teal: www.tteal.org ; 730 W. Wilshire, STE 108, Oklahoma City, OK 73116

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 24, 2025 at West Metro Community Church, 601 W Main St, Yukon, OK 73099.  A live stream will be available through the church for those unable to attend.