James "Jim" Blaine Blake was born on January 21, 1951 to Blaine and Doris Tibbitts Blake in Saint Anthony, Idaho.  He was the first boy after three older sisters and was followed by two younger brothers. Until three years old he lived in Plano, then resided in Saint Anthony for the remainder of his life, with the exception of college years in Pocatello.

Jim graduated from South Fremont High and attended ISU in Pocatello. He was a great athlete in high school, participating in football and basketball. He worked hard at whatever was his interest at the moment.

He married Zenda Stoddard, and they are the parents of six children: Jared (Stephanie) Blake of Orem, Utah, Heath (Misty) Blake of Cedar Hills, Utah, Conrad (Carrie) Blake of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jessica Blake (Tom) Kunz of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Lindsey Blake (Skye Worthen) of Saint Anthony, Idaho, and Beau (Tayler) Blake of Egin, Idaho.

Jim was many things to many people.  He was first and foremost a people person.  He sold cars in the St. Anthony dealerships for fifty years and had customers, or more likely friends, far and wide.  He started farming in 1973 and farmed for 40 plus years making friends mostly at the Egin Merc, which was a gathering place for all the local farmers.

With farming and sports at the peak of his interests, Jim shared his passions with his children – teaching them sports and how to ski at a young age.  Several of his children talked him into getting a boat, and a new interest found Jim and his family on the water whenever he could get away from the farm. Jim was a hard worker and wouldn't quit until not only his work, but others' work was done. He was generous with what he had, and always more than willing to lend a helping hand.

Jim was a loyal community member and contributor and started the Saint Anthony Car Show that is still held on the 24 ^th of July each year.  He was also active in kids' sports from being a coach to initiating the bus ride to Salt Lake so the local youth Jazz participants had the opportunity to attend a Jazz game. Jim was also active in the local Republican Party and served as chairman for several years.

Unfortunately, the terrible disease of dementia claimed the Jim we know. He passed on April 11, 2023.

Jim is survived by his wife and children, siblings Suzanne Blake Morton, Marianna Blake Taylor, Nick Blake, and Mitch Blake: fourteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Michele Blake Bauer.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Homestead, Building One, and heartfelt gratitude to Ambrea Wright for the care provided.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Anthony LDS Stake Center, 247 E 4th N. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. both times at the Stake Center. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary.

Funeral services will be live-streamed and may be viewed here: https://youtu.be/fuy79ZnUAVw