He was born in Geneva, New York to Robert and Lois Blake. He met his first wife, Lila Gimm Blake, in Arizona, where they both served in the U.S. Air Force. After being discharged from the Air Force, James went back to Geneva, New York. He had three sons. James moved his family to Fort Worth, Texas in 1960. Lila Blake passed in 2007. Later, he met his second wife, Barbara Farrell in Sanford, Florida.
James was an accomplished businessman specializing in construction and started Metroplex Industrial Constructors and later BC Company in the Fort Worth area. He was a Master Mason and a Scottish Rite and Shrine member. He devoted many years to the Moslah Shrine organization in Fort Worth, especially in the Clown unit, eventually serving as President. He also spent many years on the Shrine Hospital board. He loved to travel, owning several RVs and traveling for months across much of the United States with both Lila and Barbara, until his failing eyesight made that impractical. In his later years he re-discovered an interest in the outdoors and enjoyed touring several of the state parks and wildlife refuges.
James is survived by his wife Barbara Farrell, his older brother Lee Blake, his three sons, Robert Blake (Joyce), Richard Blake (Kathryn), and James Jr. (Linda), grandchildren Matthew, David, Rhyon, Neill, Brent, and Tyler, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild expected in February. His extended family by marriage also includes 1 daughter, Pamela Barson, (Robert), grandchildren Zachery, Allie, Brittany, and Hanna, and 10 grandchildren plus 1 due in February.
At his request, there will be no services. If you choose to remember him, a donation to the Shriners Hospital for Children can be made.
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