James Raymond Blake, 75, of Washington, Indiana, went to be with Jesus at 7:15 A.M, March 29, 2025 at the IU North Hospital in Carmel, Indiana.
He was born to Raymond and Martha (Spears) Blake on April 17, 1949, in Washington, Indiana.
Jim married the love of his life, Marsha D. Thompson, on November 27, 1971. He loved Jesus and was a faithful member of the Twin Oaks Holiness Church in Petersburg, Indiana.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Marsha and his parents, Raymond and Martha.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Denise Bittinger of Indianapolis, Indiana; Nicole (Stephen) Cassady of Beavertown, Pennsylvania and his five grandchildren, Cammi (Jacob) Bodine of Justice, Illinois; Bentley Bittinger of Indianapolis, Indiana; Blake, Chloe and Ashton Cassady of Beavertown, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his sister, Bonita Raney of Loogootee, Indiana and brother Stewart (Mary Ellen) Blake of Loogootee, Indiana.
Jim graduated in 1967 from Barr Reeve High School in Montgomery, Indiana.
He served in the United States Army and as military police in Washington, D.C. during the Vietnam War.
Jim was employed at Crane Army Ammunition Activity in Crane, Indiana for 39 years. He loved his job and retired only when his health required it.
Jim’s memberships included VFW Post 3321, American Legion Post 121, Daviess County Family YMCA, Washington Conservation Club and the 20th Century Chevy Car Club.
He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed IU college basketball, the St. Louis Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts. Jim loved a good song, a good meal, a good game, a good laugh and any bag of candy.
Jim had been a resident of Legends Village in Washington, Indiana for a few years before recently moving in with his daughter, Denise.
Jim courageously fought Parkinson’s disease for nearly 20 years. His positive attitude and determination to keep going was an inspiration. His perseverance enabled him to keep active doing the things he loved to the very end.
During his final stay in the hospital, Jim talked about Heaven and how he was looking forward to “no more sickness, no glasses, and no walkers.” Names were mentioned of those he would see in Heaven and when Jesus was mentioned, he emphatically said, “First of all!”
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee, Indiana. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 10:00 am at Blake Funeral Home.
Burial will follow in Goodwill Cemetery in Loogootee, Indiana. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Indiana Army Honor Guard, Loogootee American Legion and VFW.
Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee, Indiana is honored to serve the family of James R. Blake.
