James M (Monty) Knox III was known for his love of horticulture, being arguably the biggest Florida Gator football fan out there and knowing all the best restaurant spots around the state.

Monty’s parents James and Nada started a small nursery business named Knox Nursery in 1962. Once his parents retired, Monty played a key role in building the business that now operates as one of the top greenhouse growers in the U.S.

He was a vocal advocate for the horticulture industry and played active leadership roles in the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) including serving on the statewide board of directors for several years as well as the state president from 2009-2010.

“Monty was a true advocate of UF/IFAS and was a member of the team that supported the building of the current UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center and the UF/IFAS Extension Orange County office,” said Liz Felter, UF/IFAS Extension agent and longtime friend of Monty’s. “He was passionate about Florida agriculture, politics and Florida Gator football and will surely be missed.”

Monty’s legacy will live on, not only through his passion for the agriculture industry but through his support of research and development that moved horticulture forward.

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