James Earl Blair (Jimmy), passed away on Oct. 14, 2022, at the age of 82 in Newton, Kansas, at the Kansas Christian Home.
Jimmy was born on Aug. 28, 1940, in Enid, Oklahoma.
He is survived by his brother, Bill Blair; sister, Roberta O’Dell; his niece, Kathie Cook; his cousin, Jerry Magers; and his loving partner of 38 years, Shirley Herbison; daughter, Teresa Blair; their adopted children, Kathy Frazier, Steve Herbison, April Herbison, Ariana Herbison, Corbin Herbison, Donald Herbison, and Mathew Herbison.
He was predeceased by his son, Jimmy Blair; his brother, Nathanial Blair; mother, Thelma Blair; and father, Robert (Bob) Blair.
He became a foster parent with Shirley, during which time they fostered, counseled and loved 168 foster children. Jimmy was a truck driver and spent many years working for the Full Vision Factory in Newton, Kansas. Jimmy loved to fish, garden and do handy work around the house. He had a tremendous skill for painting, which he practiced until he physically was unable to. However, his strongest love and joy and how he wanted to be remembered was his family.
The cremation for Jimmy will be done at Petersen’s Funeral Home in Newton, Kansas.
The family wants to thank Kansas Christian Home and Good Shepard Hospice for the care and comfort they provided Jimmy during his last weeks.
The family will have a private service, gathering and celebration of Jimmy’s life at their home in Newton, Kansas.
