James Riley Blake Jr

James Riley Blake, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, October 9, 2018. James was born on January 26, 1926 in New York, New York to James Riley Blake and Alice Green.

James served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, where he earned the American Campaign, Good Conduct and World War II Victory Medals. He served as a police officer for the City of New York for 20 years, while also serving on the Housing Policemen’s Benevolent Association Executive Board for many of those years. He subsequently excelled as the White Plains Housing Authority Director for 6 additional years of public service.

James spent his life loving and caring for the people around him, bringing quick wit and humor to every interaction. James had an infectious and endearing personality that created life-long bonds with many.

James married the love of his life, Ruth Gladys Blake, on October 6, 1944. Together they became parents to four sons: Richard A. Blake, Thomas R. Blake, Russell K. Blake, and Martin A. Blake. He is survived by his sons, Russell and Martin, 17 grandchildren: Tracey, Jennay, Nicole, Monica, Michelle, Jason, Thomas, James, Russette, Aisha, Jamila, Ajaya, Keishon, Damien, Martin, James, and Delores, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, as well as a host of other loving relatives and friends.

While his presence will be dearly missed, his memory will be carried in the hearts of all those he touched.