James Blair

SHELBY- James Blair, 83, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2015, at his home. A native of Butler County, PA, he was the son of the late Paul H. and Isabel Grove Blair. He served four years in the Air Force during the Korean War Conflict, and graduated from Grove City College with a degree in Physics. He worked 23 years at PPG Industries, and retired from Amaya Glaze Company in Shelby. He was a member and former elder of John Knox Presbyterian Church. He was active in the Soup Kitchen Ministries at John Knox and Shelby Presbyterian Church, and member and treasure of Foothills Dulcimer Club.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Blair Riggleman.

SURVIVED: He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Runyan Blair, of the home; son, Stephen Blair and wife Beth of Matthews; daughters, Susan Blair Kutz and husband Dave of Carlisle, PA, Ellen Blair Tomayko and husband Chris of Butler, PA; sister, Joy Blair Bloemers; brother, Wendell Blair; grandchildren, Robert Skeel, Stewart Skeel, Scott Brackett, Connor Brackett and fiancé Madison Grigg, and Brooke Blair.

MEMORIAL SERVICES: Thursday, 11a.m., at John Knox Presbyterian Church

VISITATION: The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, at the church.

BURIAL: Sunset Cemetery with military honor’s

CLERGY: Pastor Deborah Lesenger

MEMORIALS: To the donor’s choice of John Knox Presbyterian Church, 610 Charles Rd., Shelby, NC 28152 or Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby