James 'Jim' Edward Blair

James (“Jim”) Edward Blair, 76, of Lenoir died Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Forsyth Select Specialty Hospital in Winston Salem following a short illness.Jim was born September 16, 1939 to the late Edward Henry Blair, Sr. and Nellie Jackson Blair. Jim loved his family who carry on his fine legacy:his wife, Kaye Mason Blair, son Jon and wife Melanie Blair, son Chris Blair and his grandchildren Joshua and Maddie Blair.He is also survived by his brothers, Ed Blair, Jr. and wife Sandy of Lenoir, Bob Blair of Lynchburg, VA, and sister Becky Blair Whisnant and husband Tom of Lenoir. Jim was a graduate of Lenoir High School and played clarinet in the Lenoir High School Band.He graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College with a degree in Business Administration.Jim served six years in the Army National Guard after he graduated. An avid Lenoir Rhyne fan, Jim attended Lenoir Rhyne Bear football games over the years with his family.He also loved the North Carolina Tar Heels and followed the UNC football and basketball teams with enthusiasm.Jim was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his friends for many years. Prior to his retirement, Jim was President of Blair Insurance Agency which was founded by his father, the late Edward Blair, Sr. where he worked for forty eight years.During his career in insurance, Jim also served the community in a variety of ways.He was president of the Lenoir Rotary Club from 1978-1979 and was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award.Jim assisted in many fundraising campaigns with the Boy Scouts of America, Caldwell Community College, United Way and other local organizations.Also, Jim served on the Board of Adjustments for the City of Lenoir as well as the Board of Directors for Cedar Rock Country Club.A lifelong member of Saint Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Jim served on the church council and was a member of the church choir for fifty years.A man with a gentle spirit and giving heart, Jim loved people and was loved and respected by friends and family. The service will be held on Tuesday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m. with receiving held prior to the service from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at Saint Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Lenoir.The service will be conducted by the Reverend Doctor Michael F. Riley.Graveside rites will be at Bellview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 1406 Harper Avenue, NW Lenoir NC 28645, or to a charity of your choice as Jim was a firm believer in helping those less fortunate. Online condolences may be sent to the Blair Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service and Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Blair Family.