Obituary of James Neil Knotts

James Neil Knotts, 87, of Fairmont, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Fairmont Medical Center. He was born in Knottsville, WV on October 1, 1938, a son of Russell Warden and Dorothy Kathleen Bradley Knotts. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 67 years, Margaret Anne Hunter Knotts. Neil was a retired Quality Control Engineer at Westinghouse, which later became Philips Lighting. He also was an active member and a Deacon for the Monongah Baptist Church. Neil graduated from East Fairmont High School with the class of 1956 and went on to attend Fairmont State College and the DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Neil followed in his father’s footsteps and became a very talented and skilled man. He assisted his father with installing several TV cables in the area including the first TV cable in Colfax. He enjoyed classical music, electronics, and the great outdoors including, hiking, biking, and camping. Most of all, Neil loved spending time surrounded by his close friends and family. In addition to his wife, Neil is survived by his daughters, Melissa Anne Knotts of Fairmont, Jennifer Lee Bobic of Fairmont, Mary Kathleen Windon and her husband Richard of Fairmont, and Amy Suzanne Lanham and her husband Mark of Phillipi. He is also survived by his sisters, Doris Ann Zorik of Grafton, Karen Elaine Gregor and her husband Robert of Fairmont, along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Neil was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Michael Bobic, and his brother-in-law, George Zorik. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. Friends will be received in the funeral home on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4p.m. until 8p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Monongah Baptist Church from 10a.m. until 11a.m A funeral service will be held in the church on Saturday at 11a.m. with Pastor Tyler Jefferis as celebrant. Graveside services will follow at the Knottsville Cemetery in Taylor County, WV. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.