James “Jim” Blair passed away on Monday, April 11, 2016 at Blair Ridge in Peru, Indiana. He was born on July 20, 1928 and was a 1946 graduate of Peru High School. James was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years and a member of the First Christian Church. He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Ellen Reed Blair on October 24,1948. He was preceded in death by a son, James Jay Blair, by his parents James L Blair and Esther Cover Blair, and his two sisters Betty Blair Mislinski and Kathleen Blair Lassiter.
James worked for the C&O railroad for 45 years and also loved a part time job driving truck for Elb Hiner for several years. James spent his entire life doing what he loved most which was farming. From growing up on a farm as a boy to owning and working his own farm, there was nothing he enjoyed more, He also loved working in his garden and growing vegetables to share with everyone.
James was a loving husband, father of two, grandfather of five, and great grandfather of five. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth and a daughter, Joleen Blair Sutton and her husband, Gary Sutton of Greenville, SC and his daughter-in-law, Kathleen Ashcraft Blair of Birmingham, AL; five grandchildren: Lindsey (Aaron) Woods, Natalie (Nic) Bogle, Cole (Kristie) Sutton, Audrey (Jonathan) Bass, and Christy Sutton King; five great grandchildren; Ryan King, Mason King, Zoe Woods, Nathaniel Woods, and Callie Bogle. James is also survived by a brother, Richard H (Arlette) Blair and a number of nieces and nephews.
The visitation will be Saturday, April 16 from 11:30am to 1:00pm at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home in Peru with the funeral service following at 1:00pm at the funeral home with Pastor James Loft officiating. Burial will follow at the Mount Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Christian Church, 53 W Main St, Peru, IN. 46970 Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers Leedy Funeral Home.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.