John T. Knox

John T. Knox
Member of the California State Assembly from the 11th district
In office January 2, 1961 - November 30, 1980
Preceded by	Salathiel Charles Masterson II
Succeeded by	Robert Campbell
Personal details
Born	(1924-09-30)September 30, 1924 Reno, Nevada
Died	April 3, 2017(2017-04-03) (aged 92) Richmond, California
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Jean Henderson
Children	3
Profession	lawyer
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch/service	United States Army Air Forces
Battles/wars	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. "John T. Knox". joincalifornia.com.
2. Vassar, Alexander C. (2011). Legislators of California (PDF). Retrieved 23 November 2016.
3. Papers of John Teryll Knox, University of California, Berkeley
4. "John T. Knox, longtime Contra Costa Assemblyman, dies". East Bay Times. 2017-04-05. Retrieved 2023-01-13.
5. "California Highways: Interstate 580". Cahighways.org. Retrieved 2013-01-26.