James F. Blake, 78, of Midland passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2011. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Fairmont Park Church of Christ, with Scott Sheppard officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home from 7:00-9:00 pmJames was born on December 21, 1932 in Brownwood, Texas. He attended Brownwood High School, where he starred on the football and basketball teams. He went on to play college basketball at Daniel Baker College. In 1952 he joined the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He received an Honorable Discharged from the military in 1955 and returned to Howard Payne University to complete his Master's degree in Education in 1957. He also received degrees and certifications from Texas Tech University and Sul Ross University.On May 9, 1954, he married his best friend, Patsy Blake of Blanket, Texas. They celebrated 56 years of marriage this past year. Following his graduation from college, James began a 45-year career in public education. He spent over 35 years as a Coach, Teacher and Superintendent in the Forsan, Sands, Seminole and New Home school districts. James and Pat moved to Midland to retire in 1992; however, after a two week "retirement" James was hired by Midland Christian, where he coached another 10 years. Through the years his teams won and played in multiple state championships in football, basketball, track, golf and volleyball.James dedicated his life to honoring his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of the Fairmont Park Church of Christ, where he had served as an Elder and Bible class teacher. James also served as an Elder at Churches in New Home and Ackerly, as well as a Deacon with the Church in Seminole. Survivors include his wife, Patsy Blake of Midland, son Scott Blake and wife Sara of Magnolia, TX; daughter Mitzi Maynard and husband Mark of Midland; grandsons, Jordan Blake and wife Ashley of Plano and Joel Blake and wife Kendra of The Woodlands; two granddaughters, McKenzi and Megan Maynard of Midland. He was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur Blake and his parents, Vance and Cora Blake.The family requests memorials be directed to the building fund at Fairmont Park Church of Christ, 3813 N Midland Drive, Midland, TX 79707 or Midland Christian School, 2001 Culver DR, Midland, TX 79705.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,