Jack Blake was absolutely one of a kind, yet he was also “every man” Jack. When he entered a

room, you could feel his presence; he had an unmistakably strong and powerful vibe. And if you

didn’t know him, you’d certainly know him before the room emptied; Jack had a gregarious

nature and infectious zest for life. He had a way of connecting with anyone and everyone, and

he endeared himself to thousands of people by just being Jack. To know him was to love him.

Jack was born to Caleb John “Jack” Sr. and Miriam Rose (Murray) Blake in Staten Island, NY

in 1942. He spent his formative years as a real New Yorker; even after the family relocated to

the Chicago area, he never lost that New York groove. He graduated from Mendel Catholic

High School in Roseland, IL, and set off for higher education at Villanova University. It was at

Villanova where he hooked up with a group of musicians, including Tim Hauser, Tommy West,

and Jim Croce. Yes, the Jim Croce.

After studying at Villanova University, he followed in his father’s footsteps and served in the

United States Navy, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant JG. After his service, he had a

“love at first sight” moment in which he met his wife of 58 years, Nancy. Work in the oil business

found Jack and Nancy in Houston, TX where they introduced their first two children, Jake and

Don. The Blake family relocated to the Chicago area in 1972 where they added Kate, Maggie,

and Pat to the cast of the Blake family.

In Wauconda, IL, the Blake family was very involved with the local Catholic Parish and their

many fundraisers, where Jack and Nancy shared their gift of music with the community. Over

time, the entire Blake family would be seen performing on stage together. Of all Jack’s

accomplishments in life, his musical legacy was high on his list and was something of which he

was immensely proud.

After retiring, Jack and Nancy moved to Green Lake, WI. Soon afterward, they discovered the

town of Port St. Joe, FL, and fell in love with the area and its people. Over the course of 28

years, Jack and Nancy have been proud to call Port St. Joe their home. In retirement, he and

Nancy became world travellers, eventually setting foot on every continent in the world,

including Antarctica. During this time, they had also spent a number of years running a B&B on

the north island of New Zealand. Their travels are well documented, and there are literally tens

of thousands of photos from all corners of the earth. And because Jack was just being Jack,

lifelong friendships were made everywhere their travels took them.

Jack had an innate ability to bring people together, and his generosity of spirit was one of his

greatest attributes. He had a way of engaging people in light-hearted, mischievous banter

wherever he went—the kind that made you laugh and shake your head—but he wouldn’t say a

bad word about anyone, as if he knew kindness and fun was the better legacy. He was militantly

apolitical, and was a happier man because of it. He followed his beloved Yankees for many

years, and more recently became enamored with NCAA football. His biggest love was his family,

watching his kids & grandkids grow, and keeping in touch with his many, many friends. If you

were a friend of Jack’s, I’m sure you know that he cherished your friendship.

Jack is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Nancy (Dodge) Blake. He leaves behind a

cherished family: his children Jake and Pam (Doll), Don and Ellen (Cadette), Kate and Matt

(Holtz), Maggie and Nate (Kudick), and Pat and Britta (Johnson). Jack’s legacy continues

through his treasured grandchildren—Caleb, Andrew, Kameron, Julian, Miriam, Findley,

Alexander, Blake, and Tenzing—each of whom brought him immense joy. He is also survived by

his dear sister, Jill Blake (Smith), and by the many adopted family members who held a special

place in his heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Caleb John Blake and Miriam Rose (Murray) Blake.

A memorial service will be held at BurrOak Groves in Green Lake, WI in the summer of 2026.