James R Blakeley

Please click here to view the live stream of the funeral service. The funeral service for Mr. James Ruben Blakeley will be on Tuesday December 28th at 11:00am.

James Ruben Blakeley, the eighth child and sixth son of Ollie R. and Wolsey M. Blakeley was born on March 21, 1928, in Spartanburg, SC. Seeking a better life for themselves and their family, the Blakeleys moved North to Washington, DC a few years after Jim was born.

 As a teen Jim realized that his life was not on the path that his parents had tried to set for him. He recognized a need for a change, and in 1944 he left school and enlisted in the US Army. Army life proved to be steadying, inspirational, and educational for him. He served in the Philippines, Germany, and France, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Among many other experiences, Jim had the honor of serving his country and the world as an MP in the famous post-WWII Nuremberg Trials of notorious Nazis in Nuremberg, Germany. Back in the US he continued his military career for 20 years, earning certifications in radio communications and repair.

Still a young man after retiring from the military, Jim earned an A.A. Degree in Civil Engineering and a B. S. degree in Business Administration from Federal City College. He then worked in Human Resources as a position classifier for the federal Naval Ordnance Laboratory until his second retirement in 1984.

Beyond his professional pursuits Jim had a zest for life. He enjoyed both playing and watching many sports. He excelled at bowling and golf, earning many trophies for both. Jim was a founder of the Grasshoppers Golf Club and played in golf tournaments up and down the East Coast. He enjoyed watching professional sports, especially football, basketball, and baseball. Jim loved socio-political events and could turn ANY topic into a debate! While stationed in Norfolk, VA, Jim became a devoted member of the Prince Hall Masons and is a Past Master and 50+ year member of the Campbell Lodge #67.

Although single for much of his life, Jim enjoyed the local social scene until his later years when he at last met and married his match and the love of his life, Lucille Davis Blakeley. He and Lucille shared his final 24 years, and he took great pride and joy in the daughters and grandchildren she brought to their union.

Jim’s love of children extended to his many nieces, nephews, a great-niece, and great-nephews. As the uncle nearest to them in age and spirit he was a favorite of many. “Uncle Jimmy” was always ready to share with them his jokes, his stories, and his advice, sometimes whether they had asked for it or not!

Jim was predeceased by his parents, siblings, a niece, and two nephews. He leaves to mourn:  his wife, Lucille Davis Blakeley; his daughters, Melanie Lanham (Eric), Cecilia Davis, Lawan Davis, Alzata Ross (Charles); his nieces, Rebecca Springfield Sykes (Kenneth), Jocelyn Blakely, Avis Clark; his nephews Ulysses Blakeley (Tammi), Eugene Blakeley (Deborah), Kenneth Blakely, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-niece, and three great-nephews.

Jim departed this life on December 10, 2021. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.