Robert James Blake

1939 - 2019

Robert James Blake "Jim", 79, of Northbrook, passed away August 18, 2019. Jim was born December 21, 1939 in Chicago to Mildred Hobart Blake and Robert Paul Blake. He is the beloved husband for 53 years of Judy Blake, nee Mondroski; loving father of Jennifer Joy Blake (Dr. James) Lahti and Robert Paul (Amber) Blake; cherished grandfather of Charlotte, William, Alex and Daniel Lahti, A.J. and Evan Blake; dear brother of Donna Blake Moyer, and the late Paul Anthony Blake; fond uncle of Melissa Moyer (Tom) Spencer, Eric Moyer, Kirsten Moyer (Shelton) Barnes, Christopher (Tracy) Blake, and Tony (Karen) Blake; dear brother-in-law of Karen Lesley Blake, Jean Duensing, Mona Mondroski, Dale Moyer, Charles Mondroski, and Jack Mondroski; fond cousin of Anne (Robert) Hoeksema.

Jim grew up in Wilmette and was a 1958 graduate of New Trier High School where he was a champion wrestler and played varsity football. He was also an active member of the New Trier Reunion Committee. He was also an avid bottle collector. He and his brother-in-law, Dale, would venture out to find areas to dig and were successful in finding many very old bottles. Jim was a marathon and triathlon runner. He completed the Chicago Marathon numerous times, ran the Turkey Trot in Chicago, the Paavo Nurmi Marathon in Hurley, Wisconsin 2 times, and Syttende Mai Race in Madison, Wisconsin. Jim also was a scuba diver and dove in Lake Michigan, Nassau, Bahamas, and the Racine Wisconsin Quarry. Jim retired after 30 years of service as an industrial welder at Culligan International in Northbrook. After retirement, Jim purchased a boat called the "Capsule". It was originally a water taxi in Chicago, and she appeared in the TV Untouchables as Al Capone's escape boat. He spent his time on Lake Michigan boating with family and friends. He had many adventures on his boat, most with his friend, Ron and "Maddy" Ron's dog. However, his most daring was crossing the lake completely, and this he did on his own, with his safety dingy being towed behind him in case something happened to the boat! Jim was an active member of Northbrook Senior Center where he played poker and volunteered. Jim enjoyed living life had many friends, however his most cherished time was with his wife, two children and six grandchildren. Visitation was held Sunday, August 25, 2019 at N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home, Glenview. Funeral Mass was held Monday, August 26 at 10 am at Our Lady of the Brook Church, Northbrook. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lymphoma/Leukemia Foundation, PO Box 98018, Washington DC 20090-8018 (www.lls.org) or to JourneyCare Hospice, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025. Funeral information 847-998-1020.