Obituaries

James Allen “Jim” Blakeley, 92 years old, beloved only child of Ivy Atchison & Robbie Burl Allen Blakeley, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

Jim was born January 29, 1926 in Pottsboro, Texas. He graduated from Whitesboro High School and joined the Navy at 17 years old. He served in WWII and Korea. He was stationed at Camp Pendelton, going by ship to Japan and Korea. After the war he met the love of his life, Mary Vandalyn “Sis” Naugle during his first semester of college in Tyler. They married three months later and spent 68 years having the time of their lives until Mary passed in 2013. He also attended Texas Tech University. Jim started his career as a lineman at Southwestern Bell and quickly made his way to District Sales Manager where he made life-long friends. During his career they lived in Amarillo, Lubbock, St. Louis and Dallas. When he retired at 58, he and his family moved back to his roots in Grayson County, settling on a farm in Gordonville. Jim was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He loved working on the farm, raising cattle, and had numerous tractors that he loved to tinker with.

Jim was a lifelong member of AMVETS Post 47 in Sherman. He devoted over 30 years in service of veterans. He served as Post 47 Commander for several years and numerous other leadership positions throughout the years. Jim was selected as the Commander, AMVETS Department of Texas in 1992 which was a great honor. He spent the year working with and supporting Posts across the state helping them support veterans through fundraising and volunteerism. He traveled extensively to help with and attend veterans’ events to ensure they were successful. He spent countless hours at Sam Rayburn Memorial VA providing meals, support and fellowship. Additionally, Jim led the efforts of AMVETS Post 47 members to award scholarships to students attending Grayson College School of Nursing. He tirelessly fundraised to make sure this happened for over 20 years - each year hosting a dinner & award ceremony for the deserving recipients. Jim was a Master Mason since 1956. He was member of Gibraltar Lodge #1179 which merged in 2005 with Oak Cliff Lodge #705.

Jim is survived by two devoted children, son William A. & wife Deborah Blakeley. Daughter Vandalyn Blakeley McNulty & partner Brian M. O’Keefe. Five grandchildren: Jeremy Blakeley & wife Sarah, Jacqueline Blakeley, Nicole McNulty, Michael McNulty & Jessica McNulty. He also has 2 great grandchildren & one on the way. Also, many great and dedicated friends including Lorenzo and Bobby.

After his beloved wife passed, Jim moved to the Renaissance Retirement Community in Sherman. There he met Joyce Williams with whom he shared love, companionship and fun over the last three years. He also met the sister he always wanted Mikey Ritchey and many other great friends.

Consistent with the way Jim led his life, when asked by the hospice chaplain what special prayers he might have he replied, “Pray for the world.” In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite veterans organization or to Heart To Heart Hospice Sherman. We are forever grateful for Dr. J. Michael Benson for his endless expertise & compassion over the years. Thank you to the Renaissance especially the nurses whom he called friends. Thanks to Texoma Healthcare Rehab for their wonderful care during numerous admissions the last 3 years. Lastly, this journey was made so much easier for Jim & his family by Donelle, RN at Heart To Heart Hospice. She is the definition of compassion & love. Jim’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, March 24 @ 10:30 am at Dannel Funeral Home, Sherman.