Obituary: Blake, James “Jack”
He fought a courageous 18 month battle with Multiple Myeloma up until his passing.
The family would like to thank Dr. Chaudhry and his staff at Oncology Associates and all the staff and volunteers at the Hospice House for their dedication and the compassionate care they provided.
Dad was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1925 to Sherman and Ida (Hovey) Blake.
Sherman passed away at a young age, leaving Ida to raise three young boys.
They relocated to Spokane, WA to start a new life.
As a youngster, Dad worked for The Spokane Chronicle as a paper and copy boy, Holmes Lumber Yard, and other odd jobs to help pay the bills.
He attended Rogers High School and later graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1944.
He then proudly served in the U.S. Army in WWII, stationed in New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon.
He received the Philippines Liberation Medal with two bronze service stars, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Victory Medal, and Sharpshooter Medal.
After the Army, he signed up for the U.S. Navy Reserves as a photographer until 1952.
In 1951, Dad married his soul mate, Violet Ramsey, and they raised three wonderful children.
After the Army he went to work for Kaiser Aluminum, Trentwood, for 41 years.
He started in the Mill, then went on to become a Practice Planner until his retirement in 1987.
Jack is survived by his three children, Randy Blake of Spokane, WA, Richard Blake (Nancy) of Long Beach, CA, and Robin Rennick (David) of Deer Park, WA; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet Blake, of 48 years; his parents; and his brothers, U. Sherman Blake & Robert H. Blake.
Dad’s greatest joy was his family and friends.
He also loved traveling, camping, the Seahawks, the casino, and especially his trip to D.C. last year with the “Honor Flight” group.
He was a man of great integrity, generosity, sense of humor, and loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
We love you and miss you, Dad; you’re one in a million!
A Memorial Service will be held at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Colonial Chapel, 1306 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 1 pm with a reception immediately following at the VFW, Post 1435, 212 S. David St., Spokane Valley, 535-9315.
Please visit Jack’s online memorial at www.thornhillvalley.com to leave a favorite memory or message of condolence for the family memory album.
In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial contribution to one of Dad’s favorite charities, Salvation Army, 222 E. Indiana, Spokane, WA 99207, Inland Northwest Honor Flight, 608 W. 2nd Ave., Spokane, WA 99201, or Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.