James Leo Blakesley

James (Jim) Blakesley, age 77, of Aitkin passed away Friday, May 10th surrounded by family.  Jim was born to the late Leo and Dorothy (Swehla) Blakesley on January 14, 1947 in Aitkin, Minnesota. After spending his childhood on a farm outside Aitkin, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966. After being honorably discharged, he worked on the Great Lakes. He returned home and married Rosie Rono in 1970. They made their home in Aitkin where he worked for Bertram’s TV & Appliance and later opening his own business, Jim Blakesley Appliance & Repair. Jim was an active member of the city of Aitkin, serving on the city council and as a chamber member. He dressed up as Santa for the Fish House Parade for 25+ years and was captain of the riverboat. He volunteered as a lay pastor, was an Aitkin Jaycee and a Rotary member.  He also served in many positions for the Aitkin American Legion Post #86, 6th District American Legion, Legionville Safety School, and the American Legion Department of Minnesota Color Guard of Aitkin. Jim was a member of the 40 & 8 Brainerd Mystic Lodge 213, Scottish Rite, Valley of Duluth, and Temple of Shriners International Duluth.

Left to cherish in his memory are his wife, Rosie Blakesley of Aitkin; Daughter, Teresa (Chad) Kleinschmidt of Little Falls, MN; Grandsons, Adam (Lacy) Heglund of Little Falls and Alex (Raquel Rietveld) Heglund of Royalton; Great-Grandchildren, Janie, Ariyahna, Landon, and Jordyn. Great-Granddogs Jerry, Kiki, and Scout. Brothers Larry and Gordon, Sisters Cindy and Vicky.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Dorothy.

Masonic service will begin at 11am - Wednesday, May 29, 2024 followed by the funeral service at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home, Aitkin.  Pastor Susan Cline will be officiating.  Visitation will be 10 - 11am Wednesday at the funeral home.  Military Honors will be provided by Aitkin American Legion Post #86 and Aitkin V.F.W. Post #1727.  Private Inurnment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery- Camp Ripley in Little Falls.  Memorials are preferred to Legionville School Safety in memory of Jim.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Leo Blakesley, please visit our floral store.