Dixie High School

Jay Blake - 4/29/2010

Class of 1950

Dr. Jay R. Blake passed away April 29, 2010 at the age of 78. He was born in St. George, Utah, April 14, 1932 to J. Gordon and Della Stimpson Blake. He married Sharon Wittwer in the St. George Temple on August 22, 1959.

He graduated from Dixie High School, Dixie College (A.S.) Utah State University (B.S.) and Northwestern University (D.D.S.). Shortly after dental school he returned to Southern Utah where he practiced dentistry in St. George for 28 years. Dr. Blake also served his country in the military in a career that spanned 44 years. He was drafted to the army in 1952 and served two years in the Korean War where he was decorated with the bronze star for valor in combat. He was recalled to active duty twice: 1961 Cuban Missile Crises, 1990 Iraq War. During his life time of full time and reserve service he was promoted through every rank, eventually rising to full colonel. After retiring from the military in 1993 he continued to serve in the American Legion in various offices including post commander. He also volunteered for many years with the Kiwanis Club where he served as local club president and Lieutenant Governor for the State of Utah. He also volunteered for 8 years as adjunct faculty for the Dental Hygiene Program at Dixie State College.

Dr. Blake’s other interests and included: ranching, hunting & fishing, reading & collecting books, and supporting his children in athletic and cultural events. In his later years he traveled extensively with his children and wife and enjoyed seeing the world. He was a devoted member of the LDS church, serving as a military chaplain, in several bishoprics, and twice as a Branch President, first for a military branch in Louisiana and then for the Native American Branch of the church in Southern Utah. At the time of his death he was serving as an ordinance worker in the St. George LDS Temple. His family always came first and he would list as his greatest accomplishments, having 6 sons who were eagle scouts and served full time missions; and having each of his children married in the temple.

Jay is survived by his wife, Sharon Wittwer Blake of St. George; children John Blake (Michele), Sheri Lamb (Scott), Sydnee Jolley (Steve), Barry Blake (Toni), Joel Blake (Mary Ann), Ritchie Blake (Melissa), Bradley Blake (Samantha), Stephen Blake (Rhonda), Sheryl Bennett (Ian), Shandra McBride (Jason); 32 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Ryan Blake, granddaughter Jessica Blake and sister Vida Albright (Max) and survived by siblings: Gary Blake (Merrie) Marsha Lynn Gubler (Keith) Jelaine Shrum (David) and Velaine Turnbull (Randy).

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