Honorary Pallbearers – Eric Vallofskey, Donald Holtman, Stephen Burkhart, Jeremy Karpinske, Jeff Foytek, Brian Zielke II, Bryan & Jonny Blair.
Jim was born on January 27, 1928 in Canoe, Alabama to Era May Parrish and Major Clifton Blair. He graduated from Greenville High School and entered the Merchant Marine for 1 year of service. Jim enlisted in the US Marine Corps serving at the end of World War II prior to enlisting in the Air Force. Jim retired from the Air Force in 1968 after serving 20 years. In the Air Force Jim was a radar technician, a MP and various jobs as a tester and bomb coordinator while serving in the Strategic Air Command. Jim also served stints in the Korean War and Vietnam War as Master Chief in charge of electronic warfare. During his time in service, Jim received many commendations for meritorious service.
Jim married the love of his life, the former Marjorie Taylor in 1954, who survives after 60 years of marriage. Jim was stationed in South Dakota, Mississippi, New Mexico, Kansas, New Hampshire, Thailand, and Eniwetok. From these close knit communities of military families many long lasting friendships formed. There were many visits to friends from across the states that offered a place to vacation during the winter months.
After retirement, Jim worked for General Electric and in Civil Service in Illinois. Jim and Marge opened Blair’s TV and Radio in 1970. Jim also dabbled in politics and served a term as a City of Medford alderman. He continued to barber on the side, a skill he picked up while in the service, along with repairing electronics.
Jim developed a passion for helping disadvantaged and disabled youth. He worked tirelessly to assist young people needing orthopedic surgeries through the Shriners organization. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge OES and ZOR Temple. He also was a member of the DAV, VFW, and American Legion military organizations.
Survivors include wife Marge, daughters Debbie (Verlan) Karpinske of Appleton, Wisconsin, Cheryl Foytek of Medford, Wisconsin, Wendy Bockin of Medford, Wisconsin, Cindy (Brian) Zielke of Waukesha, Wisconsin and Son in law James Amo of Appleton, Wisconsin. Surviving sons are James (Kathy) Blair of Waunakee, Wisconsin and Mark (Laurie) Blair of Chicago, Illinois. A sister, Lois Martin of Greenville, Alabama also survives.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Oleta, brothers, Eugene and Marian, a son Richard and a daughter Tracy Amo.
Jim is survived by 13 grandchildren; Jeremy, Shaya, Jeffrey, Jessica, Amanda, Brian, Kaeleigh, Cambria, Cassandra, McKenna, Bryan, Jonathan, and Hailey.
The surviving 10 great grandchildren are Mady, Colin, Taylor, Teegan, Grace, Max, Ruby, Zoe, Alyssa and another to be named later.
Jim is also survived by a very special friend, Pat Schultz, Medford Wisconsin.
Jim loved to garden and play Skip Bo with the family. He was often heard playing tunes on his mandolin, banjo, and harmonica. He was self educated in many facets of technology. He took pride in repairing any and everything including TV’s, CB’s, computers, phones, cars and anything electrical. Jim took up genealogy and traced his heritage back to the Blairs of Scotland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Church, 287 E. Allman, Medford, WI in Jim’s honor.
Online condolences may be made @ www.hemerfuneralservice.com
