ABOUT US

Established in 2014, our Handsworth Funeral Home has gone from strength to strength, becoming a trusted and respected name within the local community. From the very beginning, we have continually reinvested in our facilities to ensure we offer the highest standards of care, comfort, and dignity to the families we serve.

A major refurbishment in 2022 took our Handsworth Funeral Home to a new level, complemented by our stunning fleet of gunmetal grey Mercedes vehicles — a reflection of the quality, professionalism, and attention to detail that define everything we do.

However, while our facilities and fleet are exceptional, it is our caring and experienced team that truly sets us apart. Each member of staff brings years of expertise and genuine compassion, offering personal guidance and support at a time when families need it most.

Jamie, spent 12 years managing G&M Lunt Funeral Directors on Abbey Lane before deciding to open his own funeral home. Out of respect for his former colleagues and community, he chose not to open nearby despite being well known in that area, and instead established our first branch in Handsworth.

Following the sale of G&M Lunt to Beverley Funerals Limited in 2017, Jamie felt it was the right time to return to his roots and expand once again. In 2021, he proudly opened our Meadowhead Funeral Home, bringing a truly independent, family-run funeral service back to the community he knows so well — offering the same care, respect, and personal touch that have become the hallmarks of our reputation.

Jamie F. Knight Dip. Fd

There is a special relationship between a Funeral Director and his client. Jamie is a fully qualified funeral director and father to two children. He has been a recognised figure in the Sheffield funeral industry for more than 30 years and says it has been a vocation rather than a job to him.

“Funeral Directing is something that I fell into almost accidentally however it is something that I have loved from day one. I always strive for improvement in anything I do and was happy to gain the Diploma in Funeral Directing in 2000. Although this qualification doesn’t necessarily make you a better Funeral Director it does give you a greater knowledge and understanding of the industry, this is something that I always endeavour to pass on to the team I employ.”

Jamie will offer you a kind, understanding, empathetic approach to all your needs and his advice, care and guidance will make you more than just a client.

Kevin CookeFuneral Director, Mortuary and Fleet Manager

Kevin worked with Jamie at another funeral home many years ago and we have been so lucky to have him join us here, where he has helped to build and shape the business from it’s early stages.
Kev can and does take part in every aspect of the business, he is currently studying to gain his Diploma in Funeral Directing. He has the perfect attitude to looking after and guiding people. Kev once received a thank you card, with the following words that just sums him up so well:
‘You shine, yet you don’t know it’

Shirlee KnightFuneral Director and Office Manager

Shirlee joined J F Knight Independent Family Funeral Directors in early 2015 as a volunteer whilst on a career break from the NHS. It quickly became apparent to her that she had found her real calling in life so she joined the team and didn’t return to the NHS. Shirlee has worked her way up to the position of Funeral Director and Office Manager, having the special people skills required for the role. More recently Shirlee has set up and runs a fortnightly Bereavement Support Group locally having identified the desperate need for more support following the death of a loved one. The group is open to everyone, so please contact Shirlee if you would like to come along.

Tracey WilsonFuneral Director and Meadowhead Branch Manager

Tracey oversees our Meadowhead branch, bringing with her over 30 years of dedicated experience in the funeral industry. A long-time resident of the S8 area, she is deeply rooted in the local community and actively supports a number of local charities.

Throughout her career, Tracey has guided countless families from a wide range of cultures and faiths, earning their trust and heartfelt recommendations time and again. Her compassionate nature and professionalism have made her a valued and respected figure within the community.

Before joining J F Knight Funeral Directors in 2021, Tracey spent many years with Co-op, where she honed her skills and passion for caring for others. Today, she remains as committed as ever to supporting families — not only by honouring their loved ones with dignity and respect, but by gently helping those left behind through one of life’s most difficult times.

Kay ShawFuneral Director/Administrator

Kay began working in the Funeral industry in 2007 as a Funeral Arranger after many years of being interested in this line of work. After attending family funerals and seeing how smoothly and efficiently they were handled, she knew she wanted to be a part of a team who remove the stress and worries from the family on the day of the service. After 2 years of working as a Funeral Arranger, Kay moved to G&M Lunt to become a Funeral Director, this is where she met and worked with Jamie who offered her great support and guidance.
Kay says she prefers to work for a small independent, family run business where a much more personal service can be given to the families. She particularly enjoys meeting and getting to know families and helping to create a totally unique service for their loved one. Kay feels it is the most rewarding job there is, helping families to carry out their loved ones final wishes.
Kay is married to Graham and they have a daughter Megan and two beautiful Grandsons, Harley and Grayson.

Cameron KnightFuneral Operative

Cam joined the family business in September 2023 on a full time basis after completing his degree at university. During his time studying he became an important part of the team, gaining lots of valuable experience on a part time basis. We feel he has all the required qualities to succeed in his role and follow in his Dad’s footsteps.

Russ CookeDriver/bearer and Repatriation Team

Russ is Kevin’s dad and has worked with us for many years alongside his own building business, although he is with us more and more these days. He has a lovely manner when out looking after families on the day of the funeral whilst also assisting with the repatriation side of the business as well as being our own in house, maintenance man! Russ is an integral part of our team.