Obit: Blair, James C. (1928 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Amo, Blair, Bockin, Burkhart, Foytek, Holtman, Karpinske, Martin, Parrish, Schultz, Shin, Taylor, Vallofskey, Zielke

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 2/05/2015

Blair, James C. (27 JAN 1928 - 30 JAN 2015)

James C. Blair, 87, city of Medford, passed away on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at his home. A memorial funeral will be held at Medford United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 7.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. with the funeral starting at 11 a.m., with Pastor Kyochul Shin officiating, followed by full military honors performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. Interment of Jim's cremated remains will be at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Honorary pallbearers are Eric Vallofskey, Donald Holtman, Stephen Burkhart, Jeremy Karpinske, Jeff Foytek, Brian Zielke II, and Bryan and Jonny Blair.

Jim was born on Jan. 27, 1928 in Canoe, Ala., to Era May Parrish and Major Clifton Blair. He graduated from Greenville High School and entered the Merchant Marines for one year of service. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving at the end of World War II prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Jim retired from the Air Force in 1968 after serving 20 years. In the Air Force, Jim was a radar technician, an MP and various jobs as a tester and bomb coordinator while serving in the Strategic Air Command. Jim also served stints in the Korean War and Vietnam War as Master Chief in charge of electronic warfare. During his time in service, Jim received many commendations for meritorious service.

Jim married the love of his life, the former Marjorie Taylor in 1954, who survives after 60 years of marriage. Jim was stationed in South Dakota, Mississippi, New Mexico, Kansas, New Hampshire, Thailand and Eniwetok. From these close-knit communities of military families, many long-lasting friendships formed. There were many visits to friends from across the states that offered a place to vacation during the winter months.

After retirement, Jim worked for General Electric and in civil service in Illinois. Jim and Marge opened Blair's TV and Radio in 1970. Jim also dabbled in politics and served a term as a city of Medford alderman. He continued to barber on the side, a skill he picked up while in the service, along with repairing electronics.

Jim developed a passion for helping disadvantaged and disabled youth. He worked tirelessly to assist young people needing orthopedic surgeries through the Shriners organization. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge OES and ZOR Temple. He also was a member of the DAV, VFW, and American Legion military organizations.

Survivors include his wife, Marge; daughters, Debbie (Verlan) Karpinske of Appleton, Cheryl Foytek of Medford, Wendy Bockin of Medford, and Cindy (Brian) Zielke of Waukesha; and son-in-law, James Amo of Appleton; surviving sons are James (Kathy) Blair of Waunakee and Mark (Laurie) Blair of Chicago, Ill.; and a sister, Lois Martin of Greenville, Ala.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Oleta; brothers, Eugene and Marian; a son, Richard; and a daughter, Tracy Amo.

Jim is further survived by 13 grandchildren, Jeremy, Shaya, Jeffrey, Jessica, Amanda, Brian, Kaeleigh, Cambria, Cassandra, McKenna, Bryan, Jonathan and Hailey.

The surviving 10 great-grandchildren are Mady, Colin, Taylor, Teegan, Grace, Max, Ruby, Zoe, Alyssa and another to be named later.

Jim is also survived by a very special friend, Pat Schultz of Medford.

Jim loved to garden and play Skip Bo with the family. He was often heard playing tunes on his mandolin, banjo and harmonica. He was self educated in many facets of technology. He took pride in repairing any and everything, including TVs, CBs, computers, phones, cars and anything electrical. Jim took up genealogy and traced his heritage back to the Blairs of Scotland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Church, 287 E. Allman, Medford, in Jim's honor.

Online condolences may be made at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.