James Earl Blair (Jimmy), passed away on October 14, 2022, at the age of 82 in Newton, at the Kansas Christian Home.
Jimmy was born on August 28, 1940, in Enid, Oklahoma.
He is survived by his brother Bill Blair, sister Roberta O’Dell, his niece Kathie Cook, his cousin Jerry Magers and his loving partner of 38 years Shirley Herbison, daughter Teresa Blair, their adopted children Kathy Frazier, Steve Herbison, April Herbison, Ariana Herbison, Corbin Herbison, Donald Herbison, and Mathew Herbison. He is predeceased by his son Jimmy Blair, his brother Nathanial Blair, mother Thelma Blair, and father Robert (Bob) Blair.
He became a foster parent with Shirley during which time they fostered, counseled, and loved 168 foster children. Jimmy was a truck driver and spent many years working for the Full Vision Factory in Newton, Kansas. Jimmy loved to fish, garden, and do handy work around the house. He had a tremendous skill for painting, which he practiced until he physically was unable to. However, his strongest love and joy and how he wanted to be remembered, was his family.
The cremation and for Jimmy will be done at Petersen’s Funeral Home in Newton.