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James P. Blake, Sr.
Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | December 24, 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 Riegger, Vicki Ethier, Pamela Williams, David (Dawn) Blake, and Jim (Amy) Blake Jr.; his step-children 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 Hailey Ellison, Taylor Ellison, Addy Ethier, and Blake Ethier; also several step grandchildren and great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Friends were 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 was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, with Rev. Glenn Meyers, officiating. Interment was at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
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Originally published December 24, 2025.
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