James Ray Blakey was born on July 16, 1936 in Memphis, TN to Lillian and William Rudolph Blakey. He had five sisters:  Helen Vargo, Laverne Phillips, Betty Cook, Nancy Sowell and Carol Olds.  He graduated from Memphis Technical High School in May, 1955.  James joined the Navy in February of 1956 and served four years.  He married Johnnie Mai Tull Blakey on January 5, 1956.  They were married 59 years, 8 months, and 14 days.  They have 3 children: William Richard Blakey, Lisa Gail McDaniel and Tina Renee Gill.  He has seven grandchildren and five great-grand children.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Blakey; father, William Rudolph Blakey; and sister, Doris Edwards.  Visitation will be 12:00-2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2015, with service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Hill Funeral Home East on Whitten Road.  Burial will follow immediately after service.

Forest Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, East
(901) 382-1000