James Jackson Blood
November 11, 1924 ~ March 30, 2014
Resided in:
Fremont, CA
James Jackson Blood died peacefully in his sleep at home on March 30, 2014 at the age of 89. Jim brought smiles and laughter to his family and friends throughout his life.. He was born in Castlewood, South Dakota to Mabel Gorman Blood and Lloyd Blood on November 14, 1924. James volunteered to serve in the US Navy after graduating from Washington High School in Aberdeen South Dakota and was stationed at Farragut Naval Training Station in Idaho. He served proudly in the South Pacific aboard the USS Ross during World War II and endured attacks by Kamikaze pilots and submerged mines.
After the war he met the love of his life, Maxine Bierschbach, whom he married in 1947; they have enjoyed 67 years of married bliss. Once honorably discharged from the Navy, he continued his education and graduated from Northern State Teachers' College in Aberdeen South Dakota.
Jim taught one year in Amherst, South Dakota, then the young couple moved to California.
They have been residents of Fremont since 1954, where he taught in several schools for the New Haven School District for over 30 years and served as the principal at Alvarado Elementary School when he retired in 1980.
He was a charter member of the Elks of Fremont, and active member of SIRS. He volunteered at the Free Dining Room and at Sunrise Village Shelter for the homeless.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine, his children Kathryn (Joe) Silvia, Richard (Maggi) Robert (Kim), Tom, Steve (Darlene), sixteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother and sister, Donald and Dorothy.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Ron as well as Ron's wife Beckie, and his granddaughter, Deirdre.
Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation from 4:30 - 8:00PM, Wednesday April 2. 2014 with vigil service at 7:00PM at Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd. CA 94534. An 11:00AM Mass of Resurrection will follow on Thursday April 3, 2014 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd.
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I taught with James brother Don for many years and felt like I knew him from all the stories I heard from Don. I am sorry about your loss and would like to express my condolences to the family and especially to Don. 406 490 7799