Longtime Texas Businessman and Outdoorsman Jimmy Ray Knight Dies at 83

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jimmy 'Jim' Ray Knight, a longtime Texas businessman and avid outdoorsman, passed away on March 13, 2026 at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer. Knight was born in Dallas in 1942 and spent much of his life repairing and selling office equipment, first for Monroe Calculators and then through his own business, Business Machines Unlimited, in Harlingen, Texas. He was also an active member of his local church and deeply passionate about the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and archery.

Why it matters

Knight's passing marks the end of an era for a small-town Texas businessman who embodied the state's values of faith, family, and a love of the great outdoors. His story highlights how small, independent businesses can thrive for decades through dedication and strong community ties, even as larger corporate chains have come to dominate many industries.

The details

Knight grew up in Lancaster, Texas and worked for many years as a technician repairing office equipment for Monroe Calculators, which sent him to different cities and states to stay current on the latest machines. In the 1980s, he moved to Harlingen and opened his own business, Business Machines Unlimited, which he ran until his retirement. Knight was also deeply involved in his local church and ministries, and was known as a 'people person' who loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and archery.

• Knight was born on July 8, 1942 in Dallas, Texas.
• He passed away on March 13, 2026 at his home in Early, Texas.
• Knight married his wife Candis Morrow on April 18, 2018 in Harlingen, Texas.