John Robert Knox, 67, of Cool Spring, N.C., died Monday, August 5, 2024, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. He was born on September 25, 1956, in West Covina, Calif.

John was the son of Moffett Preston Knox and Jacqueline Propst Knox. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ken and Mike.

John is survived by his sister Leslie of Statesville, N.C. Additionally, John has five nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews. A special mention of his niece Heather, who helped with the blueberries. Another special mention to his best friend, Jeff. He was so proud to introduce him as “my best friend since seventh grade.” He was also blessed to have many cousins.

He went through life as a single man, but recently became close with a very special woman, Jamie. John would brag about her ability to pick a gallon of blueberries in 45 minutes. He confided in some friends that he was in love with her, and she was the one he had waited on. Jamie seldom left John’s bedside during the last few weeks of his life.

John had many friends. They could always count on him to be there when he was needed. He was a straight shooter when he had something to say. People whose lives he touched are still coming out of the woodwork.

Another friend of John’s we must not forget about is his loyal companion, Blue. They were inseparable and Blue is such a great dog.

John was a graduate of North Iredell High School, where he was a varsity wrestler all four years and went undefeated during the regular season of his Junior and Senior years. He later graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Pulp and Paper Science. He loved following Wolf Pack sports. John worked at United Parcel Service (UPS) while attending State and became a full-time employee and later retired from the company.

He also served in the North Carolina National Guard obtaining the rank of Captain. He was a Company Commander during part of his service. He later resigned and focused on UPS.

John moved back to Statesville to become the caregiver for his dad. At that time, he began learning the blueberry business. Years before, his dad, Moffett, started the farm by planting 500 blueberry bushes. John took the business to a new level. He was very analytical in running the business. John kept excellent records of production, rainfall amounts, and even how many times he walked up and down the hill to his water source. He enjoyed his conversations with people who came to pick the blueberries, including the children. He had many stories to tell and share with them. John learned hard work at an early age while working in his dad’s restaurant while in California. By the age of 10, he could prepare and cook everything on the menu.

He was an avid outdoorsman. He backpacked and camped in several states. He knew the Linville Gorge area like the back of his hand. Going to waterfalls, trail hiking, and being outdoors was his happy place. He always had a story about encountering bears or other memorable adventures. Blue went with John on dozens of day trips.

Another huge part of John’s life was his relationship with God. John loved worshiping at Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church, where he held a leadership role. He openly shared his thoughts even if they differed from everyone else — all for the good of the church. He helped maintain the church and supported all church activities. Every Sunday he brought blueberry cobbler for the church brunch. John was a simple man. He required little but gave so much. An example is his numerous donations of blueberries, other produce, and breakfast foods to the Iredell Christian Ministries Food Bank.

A Memorial Service will be held at Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 17, at 5 p.m. with visitation at 4 p.m. Military honors will follow. Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church is located at 1547 Mocksville Highway, Statesville, N.C.

Nicholson Funeral home honored to serve the Knox family.