James Blake

A Memorial Service for James R. Blake, 71, of Baker, MT formerly of Lewistown, MT will be at 2:00 p. m. Wednesday, October 31, 2007 in the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with Pastor Reba Kolasch officiating. Military Rites will be accorded by the Baker American Legion, Fallon Post #35. Jim passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 29, 2007 at Fallon Medical Complex in Baker. James Richard Blake was born a son of Clayton Lemuel and Marlys Anna (Berryman) Blake on August 10, 1936 in International Falls, MN. Jim grew up on the family farm and attended schools in International Falls. At the age of 17, Jim entered the United States Army, where he served his country during the Korean Conflict. In 1955, Jim married Maxine Miller and to this union Steve, Kenny, Wayne and Mark were born. After his Honorable Discharge, Jim returned to Northern Minnesota where he worked as a logger. Eventually Jim ventured out to Montana with some of his friends, taking up residency in Malta. There Jim took a job driving school bus and working on a local ranch. In 1959, Jim married Dorothy Henry, and to this union Brenda, Debbie, Anita and Clayton ?Pete? were born. Jim and his family moved to Glasgow, MT where Jim worked in the U. S. Post Office. Eventually Jim moved to the Missoula area working in a paper plant. Jim found an interest in construction; working in various places in Montana, Idaho and Washington. In 1974, Jim married Idona Johnson, and joining this union was Lori Johnson. Jim later adopted Lori. Jim took a job with the University of Idaho in Pocatello, working in the maintance department. Jim transferred from the university and took a job with the Idaho Fish and Game in Salmon, ID. Jim retired from the State of Idaho, and moved to Lewistown, MT, where he took a job with the State of Montana, Building Codes Division. Jim worked as a building inspector for the state, covering all of the counties in eastern Montana. After Jim?s retirement from the State of Montana, Jim moved to Baker, where he made his home. Jim could be found sharing a story with a friend over coffee; was a master of woodworking; playing cribbage; fishing, hunting and watching the Baker Spartans foot ball games and watching old western movies. Jim enjoyed going to the hunting camp at the Missouri Breaks in the C. M. Russell, but his greatest enjoyment in life was for his family, grandchildren, and very special friend, Jane and her family. Jim was a member of the Moose Lodge in Pocatello where he held various positions in the local and state office and the American Legion. Jim is survived by a special friend, Jane O?Connor, Baker, MT; four sons, Steve (Sue) Blake, Aurora, MN, Kenny (Jody) Blake, Aurora, MN, Wayne Blake, Little Fork, MN and Mark Blake, Aurora, MN; four daughters, Brenda Barrera, Pocatello, ID, Debbie (Marlin) Cilz, Malta, MT, Anita (Mike) Scheffelmear, Lewistown, MT and Lori Highland , Pocatello, ID; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Blake, Salt Lake City, UT; two brothers, Bud (Norma) Blake, Bemidji, MN and Jack Blake, Little Fork, MN; his extended family, Jerri (Dave) Breitbach, Baker, MT, Sharon (Chad) Tronstad, Baker, MT and Troy (Chris) O?Connor, Billings, MT; 32 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Marlys, his son, Pete and a brother, Clarence Blake. Arrangements are under the direction of Stevenson Funeral Home of Baker, MT.


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Burial Date: October 31, 2007
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Service: Wednesday, Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT