James P. Blake Sr.

1938 - 2025

James P. Blake, Sr., 87, of North Irwin, formerly of Finleyville, died Friday, December 19, 2025. He was born April 5, 1938 in McKeesport, a son of the late William and Pearl (Wyant) Blake and was also preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie (Forbes) Blake, his second wife Daisey (Kemp) Blake, and brothers William and Gary Blake. Jim was a 1955 graduate of McKeesport High School, was a Vietnam veteran who served 22 years in the Army. He then retired as field operations manager for Icee Co., Bridgeville. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 212, Donora and the White Oak Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and rode with the American Legion Riders in Monroeville, Charleroi, and Donora and also with the Patriot Guard. He participated in French & Indian War reenactments and volunteered as a van drive for the Washington County VA. He is survived by his children Marlene Rigger, Vicki Ethier, Pamela Williams, David (Dawn) Blake, and Jim (Amy) Blake Jr.; his stepchildren, Dianna (Joseph) Fogel, Vicki (Joseph) Griffith, and Fred "Bud" (Patricia) Carter; grandchildren Jennifer Ellison, Jay Ethier, James Blake III, Emma Marzolf, and Arthur Blake; great grandchildren Haley Ellison, Taylor Ellison, Addy Ethier, and Blake Ethier; also several step grandchildren and great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 22, at the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, with Rev. Glenn Meyers, officiating. Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.