James E. Blakley

James “Jim” Blakley, 68, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side in the early morning hours of April 2, 2015 at Scott & White Hospital in Temple. He had been a resident of Copperas Cove since retiring from the United States Army. He was born in California on March 30, 1947.

A visitation will be held Monday, April 6, from 5:30-7:30 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2 PM at Crawford-Bowers. Interment with full military honors will be held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen later in June.

He was drafted into the Army and completed a tour in Vietnam. After a break in service, he reenlisted and honorably served his country for a total of 21 years. While stationed in Korea, Jim met and married his wife, Chong Yol. His family joined him through his enlistment to many places stateside and overseas. After retiring from the military, James returned to central Texas and worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Jim was a patriot and an avid military history buff. He also enjoyed sports, fishing, camping, cooking for his family, working in the yard, and sitting on his front porch listening to music.

Jim took great pride in being a grandfather, often playing checkers and having long talks with his grandson, Keaton. He also enjoyed spending time and taking walks with his two granddaughters, Claire and Kayla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Olive. Jim is survived by his wife, Chong; 2 children, Jenny McAtee, James Blakley and wife Deena; 3 grandchildren, Keaton McAtee, Claire Blakley, Kayla Blakley; and, 2 sisters, Cathy Neal and husband Terry, Billy Jean Coy; a special cousin, James Crews, and many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made to SGI at www.sgi-usa.org.