James D. Blair

James "Jim" Dewey Blair, of South Holland, IL, passed away unexpectedly on September 26, 2024, at age 84. He was born on June 6, 1940, to Myers Blair and Florence Blair (née Peets) in Churubusco, NY.  He was born in a barn there (via midwife) as he often proudly proclaimed during friendly banter.  He was the loving life partner of Marcia Zmuda for 37 years and was the most wonderful person by her side. He loved her beyond words.

He is survived by his only child, Thomas Blair (Kate), and his many grandchildren, Matthew Blair (Victoria), Christina Fries (Justin), Eric Salisbury, Zachary Blair, and Karah Blair along with his sister Diane Aman (Bob) and many nieces and nephews. He was the dear great-grandfather to Keaton, Lily, & Mila Blair and Norah & Winnie Fries.

Growing up as the youngest of eight, Jim would regale you with stories of his siblings, family, travels, and jokes. Jim was a 55-year member of the Masons, working most of his career at the American Can Company before a short stint with the EPA in Chicago, Illinois.

After retiring, Jim spent his time with his loving partner Marcia, visiting family, enjoying a martini or a Manhattan, and cheering on his favorite Chicago teams – the White Sox and the Bears. Jim was a woodworker, machinist, tool & die tradesman, golfer, boater, camper, and a fun and great friend to all around him.  Jim was an avid Euchre and cribbage player who enjoyed many epic matches with son Thomas into the early morning hours whenever they were together.  Most importantly, he was a tremendous role model in so many ways.  He could not have been more proud of the family he caringly helped nurture, and was sure to let everyone know how proud of them he was.  He was clear in this, and injected positivity into each family member any chance he could. He enjoyed the hell out of life and would let friends and family know they should be doing the same.  A sage man, and a gentleman.  Jim was an extremely talented self-taught artist and painted landscapes, nature, and wildlife and shared his beautiful artwork with all those he loved. Jim was an extremely knowledgeable tradesman who often shared his wisdom on how to start a project, fix something or solve a problem.  A jovial man with a loud laugh and contagious smile, he was an inspiration to all and he will be deeply missed by all who crossed his path.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9:30 am-11:30 am at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 S. Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL 60430 (www.tews-ryanfh.com), where a service will commence at 11:30 am.  Committal service will take place immediately after at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the COPD Foundation, https://www.copdfoundation.org/ .