James Blythe

James Cherry Blythe, 80, of Indianapolis, passed away in his home, surrounded by family, on October 8, 2019. James was born in Kentucky on April 6, 1939, to James D. Blythe and Hazel (Gentry) Stites. On June 4, 1957, he graduated from Ben Davis High School, and after a few short weeks, he joined the United States Marine Corp on June 27, 1957. He proudly served his country for six years, during the Vietnam War, and was Honorably Discharged on June 27, 1963. After leaving the USMC, he became the owner/operator of a service station in Indianapolis, and it was at this time he would meet his future bride, Janice Floyd.[ It wasn't until 1968, that James found his lifetime career in Public Safety. He joined the Indianapolis Fire Department on April 10, 1968, as a substitute firefighter, and was assigned to his first station, Squad 07, on November 26, 1969. On December 23, 1971, James married Janice Floyd, and two years later the couple became parents to Daughter Jamie Loreen Blythe, on July 20, 1973. The family enjoyed fishing, gardening and raising cattle on their small five acre farm. James later retired from the Indianapolis Fire Department on January 7, 1989. He immediately began his next service with the Pike Township Fire Department, until retiring again, in 2006. James loved to host cookouts, where friends and family would gather around the radio to listen to the Indianapolis 500. His love of racing eventually led him to become a Safety Officer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for over twenty-five years. In his retirement, he enjoyed working in his garden and raising chickens. He built a separate garage on his property to work on small engines, and tinker on anything mechanical. His friends all knew, if the garage doors were open, it was an invite to stop in and have a beer. James loved taking road trips, especially if they were in the vicinity of a casino, and loved to do scratch off tickets. He also enjoyed attending class reunion lunches, as well as retiree dinners. James was preceded in death by his father James D. Blythe; mother Hazel Stites; step-father Kenneth Stites and wife Janice Blythe. He is survived by his daughter Jamie Blythe Kirk; son-in-law Billy Kirk; grandson Connor Meier; granddaughter Caylin Kirk; brothers Robert and Raymond Blythe; sister Sandra Mullen; and extended family Scott Sparks, Erin Sparks Holt and their respective families. Visitation service will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2019, from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral service will be held on Monday October 21, 2019, at 1pm. Arrangements are by Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208. The immediate family would like to ask, that in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made to: Pike Fire Just Cause; 4881 W. 71st St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46268. Or visit [email protected]. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Great Lakes Elara Caring Hospice Services, and to the Indianapolis and Pike Township Fire Departments. James Cherry Blythe had many titles throughout his life. Although it is difficult to say goodbye, those that knew him and loved him considered him a hero, who touched the heart of everyone he met. He will be sincerely missed. Rest in Heaven, Chief.