James "Jack" Blakely, 94, of Lyons, passed away at 10:53 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, 2005 at his residence.

Born Dec. 28, 1910 in Gallatin, Ill., he was the son of Henry D. and Letha (Jackson) Blakely. He was married to Clarice M. (Smiley) Blakely.

He had a career in law enforcement, and served as Linton police chief and was a former sheriff of Greene County from 1953-61. He was also a security guard for Pinkerton. He attended Grace Gospel Church in Linton.

Survivors include: his wife Clarice M. Blakely of Lyons; three sons, Terry Patterson of Bloomington, Tony Blakely of Vincennes, and Robert Patterson of Lyons; three daughters, Martha Jane Russell of Linton, Helen Marie Frederick of Linton, and Morna Kay Blakely of Lyons; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; and five great-great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

Funeral service will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Jenkins & Sons Funeral Home, Bloomfield with the Rev. Billy Ed Hostettler and the Rev. Jim Gray officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery, Bloomfield.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home.