James E. Blair

James "Jim" E. Blair, 80, of Ozawkie, passed away Feb. 18, 2011 at Plaza West Rehabilitation Center, Topeka.

Jim was born Dec.31, 1930 in Sioux City, IA to William and Jean (O'Connell) Blair. The family later moved to Gordon, NE, where he graduated from high school in 1949. Jim worked throughout his formative years for Saub's Grocery Store. The owners were like a second family to him. At age 21, he enlisted in the US. Air Force but was unable to complete basic training due to a ruptured ear drum. He returned home and worked for the Abbott Banking Co. for several years. In 1960 he was employed as a state bank examiner in Wyoming. In 1965 he became a federal bank examiner working for the FHLBB until he retired in 1985. When Jim became a federal bank examiner he received "on-the-job" training. One's level of competency depended largely on the individual doing the training. Recognizing this as a flaw in the system Jim constantly lobbied for more uniform training. He assisted in writing the New Examiner's Training Manual and taught in the New Examiner's Training School in Washington, D.C. over a three year period. Jim's skills earned him many awards for outstanding work. Considering himself a "small town boy" he declined promotional offers to transfer to larger cities like Washington D.C. or New York. When he retired in 1985 as a Senior Field Examiner he had achieved a G.S. 13, Step 10. He was very proud of having achieved this with only a high school education. After retiring Jim continued to work contracting to consult and write business plans for banks and savings & loan institutions who were having problems with federal regulators. He later consulted for law firms defending bank litigation.

In 1956 Jim married Sharon R. Shald in Gordon, NE. They had two daughters, Tracy Ann and Jamie Sue. Sharon passed away in 1977. In 1982 he married Mary E. (Swords) McDaniel helping her raise her 3 children from a previous marriage.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Sharon, his daughter, Tracy, and two younger brothers, Mike and Jack Blair.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; his daughters, Jamie (Lorene Kahler) Blair, Albuquerque, NM, Carrie (Randy) Daniels, Ozawkie, KS, Shanna (Jim) Burgardt, Topeka; son, Wil (Chiang Hsin-Ling) McDaniel, Topeka; seven grandchildren, Aleck, Joshua, Crystal, Caitlin, Aspen, Mike and Michelle; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bonnie (Bruce) Weber, Sturgis, SD and Shirley (John) Jacobson, Rushville, NE as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Honoring his request, cremation has taken place. A memorial ceremony will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the Jefferson Assembly of God Church, 8640 Clark Rd, Meriden, KS 66512. Private family interment of cremated remains will be at Ozawkie Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland 8900 State Line Rd., Suite 320, Leawood, KS 66206. Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, Topeka is assisting the family.