James Blake

James "Jim" D. Blake, 69 of Vermilion, died Sunday, December 14, 2003 in New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph, Lorain after a sudden illness. He was born November 10, 1934 in Ackerman, Mississippi and was a Vermilion resident since 1959. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked at Ford Automotive Plant in Lorain as a utility relief man, retiring in 1993 after 33 years. He was a member of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Amherst. He enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting, and being with his family. He 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, Rev. 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, TX. 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 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. The Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct evening Military serivces at 7 pm. Services will be held at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Friday, December 19, 2003, at 10 am with Reverend Wendell Smith, former pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Sanctuary Renovation Fund at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 1100 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst, Ohio 44001.