James Kenneth Blair

James Kenneth Blair, 83, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2012 in a local hospital. He was the son of the late Claud and Ethel Hayes Blair, of Etowah, TN and was preceded in death by his late sister, Mary Anderson. He was a graduate of McMinn High School and attended the University of Chattanooga where he studied engineering. He worked for TVA for several years as a civil engineer. He also worked for Hamilton Concrete and owned Blair Insulation for several years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association of Chattanooga for many years and received the distinguished associate of the year award. He was a farmer and raised cattle as well as being an avid gardener and enjoyed his flower garden. He served as president of the City Farmers Club of Chattanooga; the Tri-State Cattlemen’s Association and as President of the Chattanooga Half Century Club. He was Worshipful Master in 1993 and 1994 of East Lake Lodge #698 F&AM. He was elected to receive the “Order of the Purple Cross” and in 1998 served as president of the Masonic Veterans Association, Grand Lodge. In 1994 he served as Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. He was past Commander of Lookout Commandry #14, Past High Priest of John Bailey Nicklin Chapter #49 and Past Illustrious Master of Mt. Moriah Council #95. Kenneth was a member of St. Gregory Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Cherokee York Rite College – serving as Treasurer, Royal Order of Scotland; East Lake #238 O.E.S. and Allied Masonic Degrees. He received the Order of the Silver Trowel; Order of High Priesthood; the Knight Commanders; Knight Crusader of the Cross and Knight Masons. He was recipient of the distinguished Knight York Cross of Honour (KYCH). In 1996 Kenneth served as Grand Standard Bearer of the Grand Commandry. He was a member of the Alhambra Shrine and served as President of the Friday Cripple Children’s Luncheon Club and a member of the Ritualistic Cast. He was a 33rd Scottish Rite Mason and York Rite Mason receiving his 50 Year Masonic pin and in 1989 invested with the KCCH. Kenneth had served as the 1st Lt. Commander in the Council of Kadosh and participated in 18th and 31st Degrees for many years and Orator for the Maundy Thursday Service. He served as President of the Chattanooga Scottish Rite Society and was recipient of the Venerable Master’s Award. He served for 4 years as Chairman of the Membership and Extension Committee of the Chattanooga Scottish Rite resulting in 439 receiving the Scottish Rite Degrees and represented the Scottish Rite at many Masonic Funerals.

He was a member of First Centenary United Methodist Church, past member of the Official Board and the Adult Council and served as president of the Hodge Sunday School Class for 2 years.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Ann O. Blair; two sisters, Virginia Lee Blair of Hixson, TN and JoAnn B. Lewis of Cleveland, TN; two nieces, Patricia (Charles) Mink of Knoxville, TN and Linda (Tom) Biggs of Ooltewah, TN; several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life services will be held at 1 PM Tuesday at First Centenary United Methodist Church with Dr. David Harr and Dr. Dwight Kilbourne officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM to 1PM Tuesday at the church. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Chattanooga Half Century Club, East Lake Masonic Lodge and the Alhambra Temple.

Memorial contributions may be made First Centenary United Methodist Church, the Shriner’s Cripple Children’s Hospital, or to Hospice of Chattanooga.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, Tennessee.