James Vincent Blake Sr.

Mr. James Vincent Blake Sr. (Jim Blake) passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at the age of 98 in Saint Johns, Florida. Born on July 15, 1927, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the late Henry Grafton Blake and Opal Wilson Rice.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 79 years, Mary Allene Jay Blake. Also preceded in death by brothers, Henry Grafton Blake Jr. and Clifford Allen “Jack” Blake; and his son, Jay Owen “Buddy” Blake.

James is survived by his son, James Vincent Blake Jr. (Jackie); daughter, Marie Blake Weber (Harold); and daughter-in-law, Jackie Robinson. He was a grandfather to 9 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

James joined the United States Navy in August of 1944 in Indianapolis, ID at age 17. His service in the Navy moved him from Indiana to Great Lakes, Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, Ft. Pierce, Florida, Camp Bradford, Virginia, Green Cove Springs, Florida, San Diego, California, and finally Jacksonville, Florida where he would remain. James’ duty assignments included: boatswains mate, member of the Amphibious Force, and sailed on the USS Valley Forge. In April of 1950 he became a Navy Reservist. During which time his duties included: Aviation Machinist Mate flying as an Aircrewman, an Instructor for the 90 day Boot Camp, a Naval Flight Officer in Jet Training Squadron 108, Helicopter Training Unit- 0874, Attack Squadron -1074, Patrol Squadron Augment units-0516 and 62, Volunteer Training Unit 7474, and finally the Fleet Maritime Patrol Mobile Maintenance Facility -A0174 at NAS JAX. He retired on July 11th, 1986 after 42 years of service. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association and NERA.

Love did not elude James “Jim” Blake in this life. On August 4th, 1946, he married Mary Allene Jay, in Jacksonville, Florida. They went on to have 3 children and years full of love and laughter. After 79 years of marriage, they proved that love can be so faithful it even remembers the way home, leaving this world hand in hand, only three weeks apart.

James was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Riverview Lodge no. 306 of the Grand Lodge of Florida. A dedicated member of Epperson United Methodist Church, where he was Chairman of the Evangeline Committee and treasurer / usher for many years.

James Vincent Blake Sr. lived simply and fully, finding joy in the small, everyday moments. Loving and devoted to his family, he was also known to be quietly silly, bringing laughter to those he was with. His determination guided him through life’s challenges, and his strong work ethic made him a steady and reliable provider for his family. Above all, he will be remembered for the kindness, warmth, gentle spirit, and love he gave to his family.

This man we call Daddy, Grandpa, Honey, and Paw-Paw leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength that will continue to live on in all who knew him. Though he is no longer by our side, his gentle guidance, steady presence, and playful spirit remain woven into our hearts. Shared by all his loved ones is an abundance of gratitude for the many wonderful years we were blessed to have spent with him. We will carry his stories forward, honor the life he built, and find comfort in knowing that his love endures—now and always.

A special “Thank You” to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Nurse Xemena and Westminster Woods at Julington Creek: Rapid Recovery and Health Center nurse Neal- for the love and care you provided for him.

A funeral service will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, located at 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, on January 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Following the funeral service, a committal service will take place at Jacksonville National Cemetery, located at 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218, on January 6, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.