James Edward “Eddie” Blake Sr., 77, of Jane Lew passed away at 8:57 a.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2018. He was born in Weston on April 28, 1941 a son of the late James Forest Blake and Madeline Lucy Butcher Blake. His storytelling and vast knowledge will be remembered by five children: James Edward Blake Jr. and wife, Deborah, of Kinsley, KS, Charlene Sue Mastrostefano and husband, Robert, of Rumford, RI, Dana Matthew Blake and wife, Tina, of Riverside, RI, Timothy Dale Blake and wife, Diane, of Coventry, RI, and Rebecca Sue Blake of East Providence, RI; two adopted children: Paul David Blake and wife, Deeanna, of Lost Creek, WV, and Frank Joseph Blake and wife, Amy, of Bridgeport, WV; 17 grandchildren; four great granddaughters; two siblings, Connie Mae Skidmore of Jane Lew, WV, and Janet Kay Hitt of Center Point, IN; one nephew, William Anthony Hitt and wife, Kenna, of Brazil, IN; two great nephews; and one best friend and loyal companion, his basset hound Bo.
James Eddie was a proud and decorated United States Veteran who dedicated 27 years of his life to the service of his country and to you, his fellow countrymen. Among the places he was stationed during his military career were Antarctica, Cuba, Puerto Rico and New Zealand. He was active during the Cuban Missile Crisis and spent time in a Construction Battalion with the United States Navy Sea Bees.
His patriotism didn’t end with his military career – he remained active in American Legion, V.F.W, Fleet Reserves and Disabled American Veterans. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. – John 15:13 His strong work ethic continued after military retirement.
James Eddie spent years working for Keyser Aluminum, was a talented woodworker and gardener. Hundreds of beautiful flowers surrounded his home and he could name every one of them. His love of the outdoors extended to a love of hunting and fishing.
James Eddie had the music in him and it could not be contained. On his own he learned to play the guitar, harmonica, keyboard and mandolin. His love was for Bluegrass and Gospel and he spent time as a member of Mulberry Grass and Broken Mountain Bluegrass bands.
He wrote many songs, 23 of which were recorded with 2 of them being copy written. James Eddie spent his latter years happily at home in the company of family, friends and his beloved basset hound Bo. Friends and family will gather at the Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek Rd.
in Jane Lew from 4-7 p.m., on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday from the Pat Boyle Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dave Riddle officiating. Interment will follow in the WV National Cemetery in Grafton.
We, at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service, appreciate the service and sacrifice of James Edward “Eddie” Blake, Sr. and we’re honored and privileged to serve his family. Online condolences may be expressed at www. PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.
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