James Hardtner Blake

James Hardtner Blake, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on 12/2/2024 at the age of 94. He was born to Violet Hardtner Howell and James Dows Blake on 11/13/1930 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1935, he and his family moved to Alexandria, Louisiana and then to Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1946. His family raised Tennessee walking horses that were champions in many states. Jim graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. Afterwards, he attended Tulane University where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While at Tulane he enlisted with the Marine Corps. He attended the Uniform Code of Military Justice school and became a battalion officer. At the time, the FBI was recruiting Marine Corps infantry officers, so he became an agent after his service with the Marines was over. His specialty was counter intelligence and espionage. He was with the FBI both in New York and Los Angeles for approximately 7 years.

After marrying in 1956, he and his wife eventually settled down in Fullerton, CA where he started his own investment company. There they raised 2 children and later divorced. He was a very active parent coaching many of his children’s soccer and softball teams. He also served his community through many different avenues. He was a member of the Fullerton Planning Commission for 10 years and the Metropolitan Water District for 24 years serving as the President of the Association of CA Water Agencies. He also served as the president of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center board and the College of Optometry Board. He was a member of the Rotary Club for roughly 40 years.

In his free time, Jim loved going on cruises, reading, going to USC football games, watching old Westerns on TV and collecting wine. He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn Roberts, who he met at Morningside and they became constant companions. He is also survived by his daughter Catherine Rhoads and her husband Jeff of Yorba Linda and their 3 children, Sean, Justin and Sydney, and his son, James Blake, Jr. of Los Angeles and his two children, Olivia and Harper. A memorial will be held in Lake Charles, LA where he is to be buried. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Fullerton Rotary Club.