James Donald "Jim" Blemel

JAMES D. BLEMEL 89, of Sutherlin, Oregon joined the staff of the Supreme Commandant on July 29, 2017. He was born July 1, 1928 in Buffalo, New York. James lived in an orphanage until adopted by Joseph Blemel and Florence Blemel in 1937. He served in the US Marine Corps as a computer analyst/programmer from 1944 until his retirement in 1966. James served aboard three ships mainly the USS Albany, USS Wooster and USS Wisconsin. He enjoyed going to the pot lucks on Sunday's at St. Francis, watching various sporting events on tv and going to the casinos and race tracks. James was preceded in death by his wife of 29 years, Emily (Pidgen) Blemel and his parents. Survivors include his daughter Frances Schwald (Max) of Sutherlin; granddaughter Brenda Schwald of Lake Stevens, Washington; brother Ronald Blemel of Orchard Park, New York and various nieces and nephews. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Amedisys for their care and compassion, to the wonderful people at the VA for their help and also the Alter Society of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for their support. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Friday, August 25, 2017 at 11:00 am at Roseburg National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2017 after the 10:30 am Mass in conjunction with the monthly potluck. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Francis Altar Society c/o Karen Mencarelli at 431 W First Ave, Sutherlin, Oregon 97479.
Please visit www.wilsonschapeloftherosesfh.com to leave the family fond memories and condolences. Wilson's Chapel of the Roses is in charge of arrangements.