James Blow, 68
On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, James W. Blow, a beloved dad, grandfather, coach, teacher and retired Naval Officer passed away at the age of 68.
Born to Agnes and Harry Blow, December 29, 1954. He graduated from Emporia High School, class of 1972, and upon graduation he joined the Navy.
While in the Navy, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer System Science and attended Electrtonic ‘A’ Schools in cryptography.
His first tour of duty was at the Naval Security Group Activity in Keflavik, Iceland. During this tour he was made a dad with the birth of his son, Eric in 1974.
During his time in the Navy, he worked his way from an enlisted to Officer over his 25 year career. Upon retiring, he settled in Montana where he worked in Journalism, Photography, Fire fighting, Teaching and Coaching.
He loved exploring Glacier National Park and would often spend time hiking and photographing the beauty of the park. Never one to sit still, he was a long time golfer and in recent years became an avid pickleball player.
In his spare time he put his love of coaching to work, coaching football, basketball, volleyball and tennis in youth, middle and high school sports for boys and girls in Montana.
He was always learning and sharing his knowledge with all. In more recent years, he also took to baking, breads, cookies, bagels, scones, sweet rolls, pies and shared them with pickleball friends, teammates, neighbors and the kids he coached.
He is preceded in death by his father, Harry; mother, Agnes; brothers and sisters, Harry Earnest, Robert, Nelson, Donald, Darlene, Jack, Roy, Ray and Patricia.
He is survived by his son, Eric (Val and 3 grandsons, Caleb, Jackson and Tristan); brother, Harry Blow; sister, Mary Jane Blow; sisters, Shirley Headley, Judith Rice and Brenda Freeman; as well as many nephews and nieces.
Two celebrations of life will be held. The first at 1 p.m. on September 3, 1004 Road 240, Emporia, Kansas 56801. The second being at 1 p.m. on September 9, at Holt Stage Hideaway, 2053 Holt Stage Road, Kalispell. Service and tributes will begin around 1:30 p.m. with light refreshments and hor d'oeuvres to follow.
There will be time for visitors to share stories that celebrate Jim’s life. Memorial donations may be directed to Glacier National Park. https://glacier.org/tribute-gifts/
