James Blades

BLADES, James Ervin - Age 82, of Swartz Creek, died Friday, February 18, 2022.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Hill Creek Church, 5363 Hill Road, Swartz Creek.  Pastor Wes Hunter officiating.  Burial in Crestwood Memorial Cemetery, Grand Blanc.  Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek Wednesday from 4-8 PM and Thursday at church from 10 AM until the time of the service.  Those desiring may make contributions to the Pregnancy Resource Center of Flint, 3404 Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48503.  James was born July 21, 1939 in Beaverton, MI, the son of Earl Adrian and Velma Luella (Onweller) Blades.  He was a 1957 graduate of Beaverton High School.  He married Laura M. Pyke July 23, 1983 in Gladwin.  He had resided in Swartz Creek since 2011 coming from Flint.  James retired in 1996 from GM Fisher Body Grand Blanc after 31 years of service.  He enjoyed going to yard sales, baseball, reading, and history.  Surviving are: his wife, Laura; 3 children, Toni Rose (Walter) Waszkiewicz of Florida, Tammy Ouellette of Clio, and Ronald J. VanBuskirk of Flint; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; sister, Joyce Blades of Midland; and several nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents; and 5 siblings.  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.