James A. Blakley

James A. Blakley, 82, of Morganton, NC, died Saturday, December 29, 2007 at Grace Ridge Health Care Center following a brief illness. Born in Forsyth County, NC on November 5, 1925, he was the son of the late E.C. Blakley and Annie Flynn Blakley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Hubert Blakley. James was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Morganton Lion’s Club, and the Retired Directors of NC. He worked for the Burke County Department of Social Services for thirty years.He is survived by his wife, June Hobson Blakley of the home; sons, Barry R. Blakley and wife, Cindy, of Lawrenceville, GA and Mark E. Blakley and wife, Joyce, of Clinton, NC; a daughter, Alice B. Smith and husband, Steve, of Newton, NC; brothers, Charles Blakley of Winston-Salem, NC, and Kenneth Blakley of King, NC; eight grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and a number of nieces and nephews.The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 31, 2007 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Holly Adams, Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III, and Rev. Billy Blakley officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or a charity of personal choice. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.