James D. Blake, 69, U.S. Army Veteran
James D. Blake, 69, of Vermilion, died on Sunday, December 14, 2003 in New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph, Lorain following a sudden illness.
He was born November 10, 1934 in Ackerman, Mississippi and was a Vermilion resident since 1959.
Mr. Blake was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was employed by the Ford Automotive Plant as a utility relief man, retiring in 1993 after 33 years.
He was a member of the Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Amherst. He enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting, and being with his family.
James is survived by his wife of 39 years: Lucille (nee Risdon); 2 daughters: Rebecca "Lynn" Fitzgerald of Malone, NY, and Tammy Richardson of Swea City, Iowa; 1 son: Reverend Charles Blake of Meadville, Missouri; 4 grandchildren; sister: Linda Shaw of Ackerman, Mississippi; and 2 brothers: Edwin Blake of Ackerman, Mississippi, and Jerry Blake of Houston, Texas.
He was preceded in death by a brother: David Blake; and his parents: Arnold and Ethelyne (nee Harris) Blake.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Riddle Funeral Home; 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH. The Vermilion Veteran's Council will conduct evening military services at 7 p.m.
Services will be held at the Good Shepard Baptist Church, Friday, December 19, 2003, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Wendell Smith, former pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Sanctuary Renovation Fund at Good Shepard Baptist Church, 1100 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst, Ohio 44001.