James Slater Blish, Sr., 84, a former long time resident of Chestnut Street in Claremont, died Wednesday morning, February 24, 2010 at the Elm Wood Health Care Center of Claremont.

He was born in Lawrence, MA on February 28, 1925, the son of Lewis A. and Evylene (Smith) Blish.  James worked for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and retired in 1986.

He was an honorary lifetime member of the Claremont Moose, he enjoyed volunteering at the Moose calling Bingo, club events and bartending, fishing with his long-time friend, Joe Montefusco,  dancing, listening to music, yard work and walking the dog.

James was a veteran having served in the Army for 4 years during World War II.

He married his wife, Carmine L. (Filiault) Blish on June 28, 1945 and she died on September 23, 2009.

The surviving family includes one daughter, Cynthia Fischer and her companion, Steve of Claremont; two sons, James S. Blish, Jr. and his wife, Jean of Newport and Wayne A. Blish and his fiance, Selina of Claremont; five grandchildren, Melissa Anderson, Zachary Fischer, Christopher Blish,  Alyson Blish and Zander Blish all of Claremont; three great-grandchildren, Morgan Fischer, Griffin Fischer and Addy Creighton; three sisters, Marion Barton, Winona Morse and Constance Tewksbury; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was pre-deceased by two brothers; Chalen K. Blish and Lewis A. “Red” Blish and one grandson, Jason Blish.

Friends may call at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont on Sunday evening, February 28^th from 6 to 8 PM.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, March 1^st at 11 AM with Rev. Father Shawn M. Therrien, Pastor, of St. Mary Church officiating.

Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Claremont, NH in the spring.