James Blain

James Paul “Jim” Blain was born in Newark Ohio on October 29, 1953, and passed away in Gulfport, Mississippi on October 23, 2022, after a brief illness.

Jim graduated from Newark High School in 1971, and shortly after joined the Air Force.  On his first duty assignment at Anderson Air Force Base Guam, he met and married his wife Janett, on May 12, 1974.  Jim and Janett spent time at Bolling AFB, Vandenberg AFB, Beale AFB, and eventually settling at Keesler AFB, where Jim retired.  Jim also spent time working at the Biloxi VA Medical Center, and Tommy Munro Petroleum prior to his full retirement.

Jim was an avid sportsman, from participating in baseball, football, softball, bowling, and was active in local bass fishing clubs.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Florence Blain, his father-in-law, Jimmie Neely, and a brother-in-law, David Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Janett Blain of Gulfport; Mother-in-law, Christine Neely of Brandon, MS; Sisters, Diana Roberts (Charles) of Newark Ohio, Deborah Strohl (Tom) of Junction City, Ohio, and Kimberly Neely (Jimmy) of Brandon, MS; and brother, Michael Blain of Newark, Ohio.  He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Rosemarie Bradshaw (Gerald) of Austin, TX, Marion Smith of Carrolton, GA, and Joann Ritchie (Gary) of Maumelle, AR; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS 39531.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m.   Mr. Blain will be laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery. The online guestbook may be viewed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com