James "Jim" Darrell Blake

James "Jim" Darrell Blake, 84, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on January 2, 1942, in Hammond, Louisiana, to James A. Blake and Grace Blake. At the age of five, his family moved to Lake Charles where he spent the rest of his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children, Debbie Newell (Tom), Kathy Blake, Jimmy Blake (Lindy), Johnny Manela (Lucille), and Al Manela (Sandy); nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and his sisters, Georgia Brumley and Sue Webb (John). He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Blake and Grace Blake.

Jim shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Mary Blake. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family.

Jim cherished his family and he and Mary loved spending time with their children and grandchildren, whether frying the fish he caught for family gatherings, going out to eat, catching a movie, or simply enjoying a quiet evening together at home.

Jim was known for his kindness, compassion, and generous spirit. He truly would "give the shirt off his back" to help someone in need.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved hunting, fishing, and golf. He was also an enthusiastic fan of college and professional football and baseball and could talk for hours about players, teams, and statistics.

Jim was a wonderful storyteller. His hunting and fishing adventures often became treasured family stories, especially those that involved unexpected mishaps, like losing his boat on the highway or jumping into the water to rescue his favorite rod and reel. Those stories brought laughter to everyone who knew him.

Jim graduated from LaGrange High School in 1960 and later attended McNeese State University. After working several jobs, he began a career with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, where he faithfully served as a supervisor and counselor until his retirement. Through his work, he made a lasting difference in the lives of many people.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation of Heart of Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Jim and to the entire family during this difficult time.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Trinity Baptist Church in the North Venue. Pastor Steve James will officiate. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. Visitation will begin at the church at 12:00 PM and continue until the start of the service.