BUCKSPORT – James Martin Blair Jr., 67, passed peacefully June 18, 2009, at a Brewer health care facility. He was born Oct. 1, 1941, in Newport, R.I., the son of James M. and Helena (Douglass) Blair Sr. He served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 25 years, retiring in 1984 after three tours of Vietnam, being heavily decorated and a specialist in security dog training. James, in his retirement, worked at Bucksport High School and enjoyed being around all the students. He loved having his grandchildren by his side, visiting with friends and training dogs. James is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy J. (Bailey) Blair of Bucksport; two sons, Martin Blair and his wife, Beth, of New York, and Stephen Blair of Bucksport; four grandchildren, Brandon, Bailey, Tina and Jordan; two sisters, Pat and her husband, Dow Anthony, of Virginia, and Joan and her husband, Dick Swanson, of Rhode Island; two brothers, Larry Blair and Douglas Blair, both of Rhode Island; several nieces, nephews and cousins, including Vera Dyer of Prospect; uncle, William Gurney of Rhode Island; and “little sisters,” Theresa Gross and Lou-Ann Skakle, both of Sandy Point. He was predeceased by his parents. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, June 22, at Sandy Point Congregational Church, Sandy Point, with the Rev. Ruth Martin officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at Sandy Point Cemetery. Donations may be made to Sandy Point Congregational Church, P.O. Box 21, Sandy Point, ME 04972. Arrangements by Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.
MASTER SGT. JAMES M. BLAIR JR., RETIRED
