Obituary of Jim Knox, Jr

James Earnest Knox, Jr. was born Wednesday, December 10, 1930 to James Earnest and Laura (Williams) Knox in Fort Morgan. He was a graduate of Fort Morgan High School, after which he attended the University of Colorado, earning a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Jim married Beverly Lee Whetstine on June 17, 1951. They had four children, Randy J. Knox, (Nikki), Jamie Lynn Reed (Steve), Kevin R. Knox, (Bonita), and Heide Leigh Ridnour, (Tim). Jim has nine grandchildren, Michael Hertneky, (Crystal), Sheena Johnson, Kirra Collins, (Tyler), Randy J. Knox, Jr., Harper Reed, (Hiromi), Dylan Reed, (Sarah), Cole Ridnour, Kile Ridnour and Kory Ridnour. He has four great grandchildren, Tallon and Carisma Johnson and Courtney and Brittney Hertneky. Jim loved his family and took great joy in his grandchildren, whose accomplishments during their growing years were always proudly shared with his friends. Jim worked in a drugstore since the age of 13, and purchased his own store, W.B. Drug in Burlington in 1963. He took such great pride in his store, W.B. Drug, especially after Lee’s death in 1989. Affectionately called The Village Druggist, he ran WB Drug, one of the premier drugstores throughout eastern Colorado and western Kansas from 1963, when he and his family moved to Burlington, until he sold it in 2000 and was actively involved in many community activities and promotions. He had two main goals: one was to provide the people with excellent prescription service and an incomparable shopping experience and to do everything he could to make Burlington a better place to live, work and play. Knox will always be remembered for his “world famous grab bags” that he sold during Ridiculous Days, his parade floats and his indefatigable energy in promoting his favorite projects. After serving on the Burlington City Council from 1996 to 2004, Knox was elected mayor and served from 2004 to 2008. Everyone remembers Jim’s fantastic parade floats, the Crazy Days sidewalk sales, grab bags and the Christmas Open House and Christmas Eve party at W.B. Drug. Jim was also an integral part of the Chamber of Commerce and many city organizations; the Carousel, Old Town and the schools. Jim loved to “dress the occasion” and more than a few will recall his crazy outfits he would don at the drop of a hat to promote this event or that holiday. Of course, motorcycles were also a great love of Jim’s. He looked forward to his annual pilgrimages to Sturgis, letting his hair down and just having a great time. He lived for Harley “stuff,” and his beloved motorcycles and riding them. He is survived by his children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, four great grand¬children, numerous nieces and nephews, one brother-in-law, Robert Johnson, and a host of friends who will always treasure their memories of Jim.