James F. Blake
- Oct 6, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 17, 2022
1938 - 2022
OBITUARY
Longtime Roslyn High School teacher dies at 84.
James F Blake of New Hyde Park, NY passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home with his family by his side on October 6, 2022. Jim was born January 2, 1938 in Brooklyn, NY to Gertrude and James Blake. Jim is predeceased by his wife of 39 years Anita and his recent companion of 15 years Joan MacFarland. He is survived by his daughters Virginia Knoer (Joe) and Marlena Duke (George) and his grandchildren Bradley, Sophia, Ryan and Matthew.
Jim was raised in Rego Park, Queens by his fraternal grandparents Mary and John Blake. Jim attended St John’s Preparatory High School followed by St John’s University. Jim loved playing baseball at an early age, and then added bowling, debate, chess and crossword puzzle competitions to his many competitive endeavors. He acted in theater productions while in school and then continued acting in local productions following graduation. Jim was always eager to travel the world and would love sharing the stories of his travels. But most of all, Jim loved teaching. He started teaching English at Hicksville Junior High School where he met his wife, Anita. He then switched to teaching Science. Jim taught Physics and Earth Science, among other subjects, for many years at Roslyn High School.
Jim was always eager to chat with a friend or neighbor and was always boasting about his grandchildren. His favorite season was baseball season. You could often find him in front of the tv or walking around with a portable radio tuned to a Mets or Yankees game. Jim, you will truly be missed. May you rest in peace!
MEMORIAL GATHERING
Sunday October 30
2:00 - 4:30 PM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home
506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, New York
Private Cremation
Dear Family of Jim,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I grew up in Roslyn, attended Roslyn High School, and knew Jim very well, both because he was my physics professor, and also because he was the faculty adviser to the Roslyn High School chess team, for which I was the captain for several years.
I recently tried to find Jim online, to catch up and say hello, and I was, of course, very sad to learn that he recently had passed.
Jim was a fantastic science teacher, a exceptional faculty advisor to the chess team, and also a great guy, with a wonderful personality and a very quick wit. I always will remember him very fondly, an…
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. It is a friendship which lasted more than 50 years. We have appreciated him walking in the neighborhood and will miss our many chats. He was a nature and animal lover (especially cats
and birds). We will miss him a lot, as we still do Anita. Rest in Peace. Paul & Silva
The Kelly Family (Eileen, Connie, Patricia, Robert and Kathleen) extend our sincere condolences to the family of our beloved cousin and friend, Jimmy Blake. When I was very young (Jim was seven years older than I), I remember him reciting to me a very short poem he had just written about the "happy moron." It ended with the self deprecating phrase, "my God, perhaps I am." One thing I knew for certain -- Jim was no moron. Sadly, our times together were relatively brief and not often enough, but we loved him and considered him part of our family. May he rest in peace.
Jim,
I thank you for welcoming me into your family. I appreciate you being so supportive of the kids and always offering to help if they had any questions with their homework. You were knowledgeable on many different subjects. I'll miss the good times we had when you came up to visit. The insightful information you gave us when going to places or museums and the long talks we had during our visits.
Love Joe
Jim,
You were always kind and friendly to me when I'd visit with Joan. When I was new to NHP I'd purposely walk my dog past your house (even before I knew you) to admire the daffodils that grew out front. My condolences to your family at this difficult time.
Denise R