James A. Blasing
June 2, 1922 ~ January 15, 2007
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
James 'Spank' Blasing, starting gun Jun. 2, 1922, finish line Jan. 15, 2007. Preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Frances; parents, John and Letah Blasing; brothers, Mel, Kenny and Max; sister, Evelyn; brothers and sister in law, John and Helen Boles and Charles Walker COL USAF (Ret.). Survived by sons, Jack (Patti), Jim (Mary Ellen) Blasing; loving grandchildren, Debbie Brandenburg, Jaelee (Tony) Fetrow, Laura and Brock Blasing, Chandra (Jason) Almaraz, Matt Blasing; and the apples of his eyes, great-grandchildren, Karis and Mackenzie Blasing, Kalea Fetrow, Areyah and Sky Almaraz and baby Fetrow, expected in March. Also surviving are sisters in law, Dorothy Blasing, Norma Blasing and Lorine Walker; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Spank was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Navy. He graduated from Trinidad Jr. College and Kansas State University and began his teaching and coaching career in Clifton and Chapman Kansas then joined the staff at Pueblo Junior College in 1956. Spank became a professor at the University's Physical Education Department. He was head Cross Country and Track Coach his entire career as well as Assistant Coach in football and basketball and served as Athletic Director in his later years at the University. During his lifetime Spank earned many Athletic and Professional Awards and was a member of the Greater Pueblo Sports Association Hall of Fame.
After retirement, his years were spent traveling with his wife throughout the United States in their motor home, playing golf, bridge, fishing and playing with his grand and great-grandchildren.
An honest man, 'grandad' was a person with immense integrity, who never stopped teaching and coaching his family, his many friends, neighbors and the 1, 000's of athletes and students he touched during his lifetime. He is going to be missed so much by his sons, their wives, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, at Hoag Hall CSU -Pueblo with the Reverend Rob Clausen officiating followed by a reception. Per his request, interment will be a private affair for the family. The family would like to thank the staff at Sangre de Cristo Hospice and CSU Pueblo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the 'Spank' Blasing Memorial Scholarship Fund CSU- Pueblo or Sangre de Cristo Hospice through the funeral home. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
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I am so sorry not to have been there – I just got the sad news. The time I spent with Spank was always happy. I felt welcomed and loved by the entire family. The fireworks and tractor rides were fantastic, but it was the sparkle in Spank’s eye that brought a smile to my face. Uncle Spank was one of my dad’s favorite people; he was touched by the tenderness between Spank and Aunt Frances and loved being coached in gymnastics by him; dad remarked to my mom that Spank taught him to keep his head in the game and to always keep his sense of humor. Thinking of Spank will forever bring a smile to my face, he will be missed. My sincere love, regret and affection to the entire family. Lorin
My deepest sympathy to all. What a great man Uncle Jim was. He will be missed greatly! I will always remember his kindness, positive outlook and of course his wonderful sense of humor. Wish I could be there today but I am thinking of you all.
Jack Patti, Jim Mary Ellen, & Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. What a great man & family.
Rick Jean & family
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Spank. He was like a second father to me and the one person who gave me great insight on honesty, courage and determination. I will never forget him. His inspiration has carried me through my life and has passed on through my family in our common values. My prayers our with him and the faimly, who I am sure, will carry on in his imparted strength that he has willed upon them.
Bill Biggi
Dear Jim,Mary Ellen and Family,
With Deepest Sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Sue and Greg Steves
Our thoughts and prayers are with Spank’s family. He was such a fine man. Over the more than 30 years we knew him, we never heard of anyone who didn’t like and admire him. There was always a smile and an encouraging word for you, no matter where you happened to be.
We extend our deepest sympathy on the death of Spank Blasing. He was a great coach and a great friend. Carl and Joy Vining
My sincerest condolences to Jim’s family. I was fortunate enough to know him, and grandson Matt. He was a fine man, and I’m sure he iwll be missed by all.