James "Rico" Blair, Jr.

James Alvin ‘Rico’ Blair Jr. age 75 passed away at his home Tuesday, September 13, 2016 in Cleveland, Tn. He was a member of Church of God Sanctified in Cleveland, TN., where he served as a trustee and a Sunday School member. He attended college Hill High School and was employed by Maytag for 45 plus years, and retired from there in 2005.

He was a TSSAA umpire and official and was well known in all sports, and an umpire for ASA (Amateur Softball Association). He was named “Mr. Hustle Umpire by ASA. He was inducted in the Bradley – Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame for softball and was recognized in 2003 by TSSAA Old Timers Club Hall of Fame Sports Officials. He was an active participant at the senior center in Cleveland, Tn, and his favorite team was the Atlanta Falcons.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Essie Blair, wife Doris R. Blair, sons, James Alvin Blair III, and Michael Byrd, brothers, Walter Blair, and William Cansler, and grandson Orienthal “OJ” Blair.

Survivors include his daughters, Deljuanna Brewton of Chicago, Ill., Valerie Porter of Cleveland, Tn., Stephanie Smith of Chattanooga, Tn., Carlotta Ware of Cleveland, TN and Nekita Blair of Cleveland, Tn. Sisters, Ruth(Richard) Cox, Sue(Alfred) Tibbs, Phyllis Blair, and Mary Anne Blair all of Cleveland,TN. Brother-in-law, Charles Cobb and sister-in-law Marsha Cobb of Cleveland, Tn. Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, one great-great-grandchild, and many cousins. Special friends and caregiver, Terrial Labron ‘Touche’ Johnson, and Jacques McMahan.

Funeral services will be Monday, September 19, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at 1st Baptist Church on Paul Huff Parkway Cleveland, Tn. with Bishop G.R. Hill officiating and delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Cemetery.