On Saturday, October 2, 1937, James Linscott Blake was born to James Sr. and Belva Blake. James spent his younger years in Bowsman, Manitoba. At the age of 15, he took the bus to The Pas, Manitoba and started working on the railway.
On September 3, 1960, James married Doreen (Toth).
James enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling and winters in Texas. He spent 40 years with the railroad and was honored to take the last steam engine out of The Pas.
After retiring, James enjoyed doing the mail and bank runs for Northland Leisure and visiting along the way.
James was active in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 for 53 years, Citizens on Patrol for 25 years, Life Member of The Pas Golden Agers. He also received the Governor General award for his community involvement.
James was predeceased by his parents James Sr. and Belva Blake; uncles Martin Leonard, Lorne Leonard (Muriel); father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Elizabeth Toth.
James is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doreen; daughter Sandra Makowski and children Elissa Crompton, Shawn (Liane) Crompton, Mark Makowski; son Trevor (Candice) Blake and their children Dallas Blake (Kayla Hochstetler), Lindy (Luke) Barry and their children Quinn, Nora, Marek.