James Rouse Blake

James Rouse Blake was born on July 3, 1935, in Statesville, AL and died on November 27, 2017. He attended Hicks Memorial High School in Autaugaville, AL. After graduation, he worked for Hodgson – Blake which was the beginning of a long career in construction. Over the years, he partnered with Ty Bartlett to form the companies B & B Construction, Blake & Vice, and T & J Concrete, all well-known local companies. He ended his career as a construction inspector for the City of Montgomery.

Jim was happily married to Louise Smith Blake for 42 years. They had five girls; Donna Carr Brooks-Hottel (Carl), Alison Blake Heflin (Steve), Deborah Carr Iskandar (Daniel), Angie Blake Vajdak (Allen) and Dana Carr English (Eddie). He was the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his mother: Dorothy Herrmann Blake, his father: George Henry Blake, siblings: George Blake, Webb Blake, Jean Gaston, and his beloved wife, Louise. He is survived by his older brother, Tom Blake of Hayneville, AL.

Jim loved spending time with his family at Lake Martin driving the boat, cruising in the golf cart, and playing in the water. In later years, he enjoyed water aerobics at the East Family YMCA. He appreciated good food and loved to talk to people. He was an avid reader and prankster. His antics will be sorely missed by his family, friends and caregivers.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2017. Burial following in Alabama Heritage Cemetery, with Minister Casey Rine officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: YMCA of Greater Montgomery, Attention Brown Bag Bus, P.O. Box 2336, Montgomery, AL, 36102.