James Blair

James H. Blair, 85, of Carey, died at 1:03 a.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018, at Fox Run Manor in Findlay.
He was born Oct. 3, 1932, in Oil Springs, Ky. to the late Homer and Pearlie (Crace) Blair. He married Melba J. Blair on May 27, 1967, at the Nazarene Church in Fostoria. She preceded him in death on Dec. 22, 2014.
He loved being the father of seven children. His surviving children are Richard A. (Debra) Blair of Commerce City, Colo.; Gary C. Blair of Farmington, N.M.; Randy K. Blair of Alaska; Robert J. (Paula) Blair of Bothell, Wash.; James H. Blair II of Van Buren; Dennis J. Roark of Carey; and Tamara S. (Dan) Hunter of Carey; 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, four siblings, Ruthann Conley, Oil Springs, Ky.; Josephine Conley, Carey; Melvin (Sandy) Blair, Harpster; and Carolyn Sue Hogan, Carey.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Homer Blair Jr. and Ernest L. Blair; and four sisters, Lillie Marie Blair, Vivian Tackett, Lillian Conley and Lovella Baldwin.
James had worked at Don E. Young Fabrications in Upper Sandusky and retired after 15 years from Atlas Crankshaft in Fostoria. Out of boredom, he went back to work at Kalmbach Feeds Turkey Farm for 10 years.
He was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Carey.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired as a Combat Engineer Sgt. 1st Class and was awarded the Bronze Star during Vietnam.
James was a life member of the VFW #3759, Carey. He enjoyed gardening, canning, yard work, playing cards and traveling with Melba and his family. He enjoyed playing volleyball while he was in the service.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 6, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, Carey, and one hour prior to the service at the church. The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 7, at 11 a.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church, Carey, with the Rev. Sid Ramey officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Carey, with military graveside rites conducted by Carey Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Free Will Baptist Church or V.F.W. #3759 Charities Fund and sent to Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, 225 W. Findlay Street, Carey, OH 43316-1169.
Online condolences may be sent to stombaughbatton.com.