Donald James “Jim” Blair, 79, passed away January 2nd at Jefferson Hospital after complications from surgery and ongoing health issues. His loving family was beside him.  Born August 24th, 1946, in Oakland, California, Jim graduated from San Lorenzo High School in 1964. He enlisted in the Navy and received an honorable discharge when it was discovered that his hearing was impaired due to a childhood hiking accident.  

He became a real estate broker and developer, building small, multiple units in the Bay Area. He met and married his wife, Roberta, in Hayward, California, in 1974.  Being adventurous in spirit they set out to see the country which they did for a year and a half traveling back and forth across the United States in their 18’ travel trailer making lifelong friends along the way. While living in Houston, Texas, they decided to move to Oahu, Hawai’i, where Roberta was born and raised. There they had their three children, who were the 5th generation born in Hawai’i from Roberta’s ancestors who had immigrated there from Madeira, Portugal.

Intending to relocate back to California, they first came to Belle Vernon to check on an apartment complex that they had invested in. The warm and welcoming people and the incredible cost of living convinced them to stay, so in 1992 they made the Mon Valley their permanent home.  Jim became a health insurance broker and was the owner of the Riverside Insurance Group, helping many with their health care needs. He and Roberta also invested in rental property in the Valley.

He was part of the morning group that arrived very early at the Mon Valley HealthPlex to solve the problems of the world before doing their workouts.  He also greatly enjoyed the Wednesday afternoon get-togethers with his band buddies to play classic rock music, a very talented group of guys with an extensive play list which they were always adding to.

Jim was a true American patriot who loved his country and the Constitution. He was a prolific writer of letters to the editor of this very paper, expressing his conservative views and support of our current President and his administration. He had a large following who felt he spoke for them.

A generous contributor to many causes and organizations, Jim was a dedicated Rotarian and a member of the Rotary Club of Belle Vernon Area. He was also a long-time member of Lynnwood Lutheran Church.  His family and friends brought him great happiness and he truly loved hosting gatherings featuring wonderful food as he was an accomplished cook.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Donald Jack Blair, and his mother, Florence Ove Blair, two older brothers, Richard DeMello and Frank DeMello, a beloved older sister, Marliene Morgan and brother-in-law Jack, and son, Erik James Blair.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Roberta, two sons, Jeffrey James (Genevieve Davis Blair) and Cameron James (Sarah), daughter Dana Elizabeth (fiance e Alex McCay), and five grandsons, Cason, Caden, Camden, Canaan and Callan. Also, dear nieces, nephews and other loved, extended family.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Jefferson Hospital for the exemplary care that Jim received. The doctors, nurses and numerous healthcare professionals in the cardiac ICU ably handled all of his needs in the most caring way.

Following Jim’s directives there will be no public viewing or funeral and all final arrangements will be handled privately by the family. Jim’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183