James R. Blakley , better known to many friends and family as "Jim" or "Bo," died on November 12, 2011 after living a life of distinction, humor and gentle manner that set a lasting example for the grateful family he led .Even though he was a highly decorated veteran, Mr. Blakley found his strength not in battle but from love of God, family and country. Jim Blakley was born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, on March 24, 1922 to Buford and Lorene Blakley .

He and his sister, Margaret Helen Schwab, who preceded him in death earlier this year, and their parents moved to Oklahoma City, where Jim advanced from Wilson Elementary School, Harding Jr. High and Classen High School. He then attended Oklahoma City University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in business. Each of the schools Mr. Blakley attended is within a two-mile radius. Shortly before he joined the United States Army Air Corps, Jim married his love of a lifetime, AlVerne Braziel. Their love endured his military service during which Lt. Blakley was awarded three Bronze Stars for his bravery in action during World War II. Upon his return to Oklahoma City, Mr. Blakley began a long career in business sales. His work took him to markets, customers and conventions across the country. But home, with AlVerne and daughters, Lynda and Lana, was always the focus and the reward for Jim's sales success. The hospitality of the Blakley household was legendary to his friends and family. His generosity -- of spirit, resources and sly wit -- was extended in recent years to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim Blakley will be missed daily, but remembered always. The light of his soul, shining from his embrace with Our Lord, remains a beacon for us.

His wife, AlVerne, preceded Mr. Blakley in death in 1974.

His daughters, Lynda Savage and Lana Lopez, and their husbands, John Savage and Dave Lopez, survive him, as does his niece, Christa Schwab Chain. Jim's five granddaughters and their spouses are: Jamie and Todd Nickels, Amanda and Calvin Schultz, Brittany and Mark Ryan, Hannah and Jason Watson, and Addie and Reilly Burke. Mr. Blakley 's 12 great-grandchildren are: Levi Hogue, Crew Hogue, Goldie Hogue, Jude Hogue, Jack Nickels, Gabby Nickels, Lillie Schultz, Emma Schultz, Wyatt Schultz, Wilkerson Schultz, Sidney Kate Burke and Beckett Burke. Services are being handled by Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors. A private interment, with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, November 15, at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Oklahoman Archives
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
 

[NOTE:  11-24-11 I could not locate her obit]

her mother: Davis, Venice A.