James Elbert Knott

James Elbert Knott was born to Tommy and Marie Roberson Knott on June 22, 1943 in Carlsbad, NM.

James passed away Friday, March 18, 2022 in Roswell, NM. Funeral services were held in Carlsbad, NM on Monday, March 28, 2022 with interment at Carlsbad Cemetery and Military Honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. The service was livestreamed on the First Baptist Church Carlsbad Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the NM Manufactured Housing Association Scholarship Fund http://www.nmmha.com/scholarship-fund.html

He was raised in Carlsbad where he graduated with the CHS Class of 1961. Following high school, he relocated to Palm Springs, CA where he resided until his service in the US Army began. After his military discharge, James returned home to Carlsbad and later lived in a number of places including Safford, AZ and Grants, NM before eventually returning to make Carlsbad his permanent home.

James joined Bob Maley in the manufactured housing business and eventually became the sole owner of J & B Homes. The business grew into a lifelong passion and one of the most successful dealerships in the southwest. James was always looking for the next business opportunity and expanded his business to venture into subdivision development, construction, insurance, and finance. He had a keen ability to plan for the future, creating one of Carlsbad’s first oil worker camps later to be transitioned to a manufactured housing subdivision. James’s many professional accomplishments earned him numerous awards, including National Retailer of the Year, NMMHA Lifetime Achievement Award and the highest honor being inducted into the National Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame. James was also a longtime member and Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Carlsbad and played a critical role in the growth of the city.

Outside of work, James enjoyed an active, thrill-seeking life. He received his private pilot license and enjoyed flying his Bonanza plane. He raced dirt bikes and enjoyed snow skiing, boating and jet skiing on the Pecos River. Golf also became a true passion, with him achieving 4 holes in ones. He cherished his time with family and friends out on a course. In recent years, James pivoted away from flying to motorhome travel and purchased a second home in Alto, NM, where the family made great memories. Time with his family became one of his most cherished pastimes including teaching his grandson Boyd how to golf, ski, and fish. He knew life was short and made each day meaningful.

James was an active member of both Riverside Country Club in Carlsbad and Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club in Alto, NM, Wanna-Go’s and ForeTravel RV groups, as well as a longtime member of Masonic Lodge 693 in Palm Springs, CA and American Legion Post #007.

James is preceded in death by his parents, son Billy Knott, brothers John Knott and David Knott and sister Doris Wheeler.

He is survived by his wife Zolene Knott, daughter Amber and husband Jeremy Howard of Austin, TX; grandchildren: Boyd Howard, Daniel Knott, and Tara O’Connor as well as 5 great-grandchildren; sisters: Carolyn Coleman and Marsha Tompson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Gary Garza, Clay Lindsey, Jeremy Howard, Phil Carrell, Ray Westall, Gary Perkowski, Jerry Porter, Dave Tice.

Honorary Pallbearers include Norm Faver, John Heaton Sr., Bob McNatt, Gary Maley, Daniel Johncox, NMMHA members, his golf buddies, and the many friends who loved him. Condolences may be expressed at westfuneralhomellc.com