Blake, James A.

James A. Blake, 84, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013. Funeral Services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Lensing Funeral Home on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The James Blake Memorial Fund.

Jim was born Aug. 8, 1929, in Tulsa, Okla., the son of Harry and Helen (Casteel) Blake. He was raised in Russell, Iowa and graduated from Russell High School. A short time later, Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. In 1960, Jim married Eleanor “Rachel” Munson in Oelwein and together Jim and Rachel lived in Maquoketa from 1960 to 1973 at which time they moved to Iowa City.

Jim was a field supervisor for the State of Iowa Department of Transportation for over 44 years, retiring in 1992. He was also a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge in Maquoketa. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, traveling and Hawkeye football.

Survivors include his three children: daughter, Jane Blake of Iowa City, son, Randy Blake (Cinda) of Wayland and son, Brian Blake of Iowa City; a brother, Jack Blake (Norma) of Bettendorf; a sister, Judy Christensen (Jon) of Lake in the Hills, Ill.; four grandchildren, Mike, Peyton, Katie and Braden; and two great-grandsons, Cale and Preston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a sister, Jean Kruzic; and a granddaughter, Jenny Blake.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.

Published Sept. 28, 2013 in The Gazette