John T. Knox Explained

John T. Knox
Birth Date:30 September 1924
Birth Place:Reno, Nevada
Death Place:Richmond, California
State Assembly:California
District:11th
Term:January 2, 1961 - November 30, 1980
Preceded:Salathiel Charles Masterson II
Succeeded:Robert Campbell
Party:Democratic
Profession:lawyer
Spouse:Jean Henderson
Children:3
Allegiance:United States of America
Branch:United States Army Air Forces
Battles:World War II

John Theryll Knox (September 30, 1924 – April 3, 2017) was an American politician and lawyer.

He served in the California State Assembly[1] for the 11th district and as Speaker Pro Tempore. He was a Democrat.[2]

Knox was born in Reno, Nevada and moved to California with his parents in 1929. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He received his bachelor's degree from Occidental College and his law degree from University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Knox was admitted to the California bar in 1953 and practiced law in Richmond, California. He died at a hospital in Richmond after a long illness.[3]

Legislative Career

Knox served in the California Assembly from 1960 to 1980, acting as Assembly speaker from 1976-1980. During this time, he championed major legislation such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).[4]

Legacy

A portion of Interstate 580 running through Richmond is called the John T. Knox Freeway.[5]

References

  1. Web site: John T. Knox. joincalifornia.com.
  2. Book: Vassar. Alexander C.. Legislators of California. 2011. 23 November 2016.
  3. http://socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu/ark:/99166/w6mp97d0 Papers of John Teryll Knox, University of California, Berkeley
  4. Web site: 2017-04-05 . John T. Knox, longtime Contra Costa Assemblyman, dies . 2023-01-13 . East Bay Times . en-US.
  5. Web site: California Highways: Interstate 580 . Cahighways.org . 2013-01-26.