Caleb John "Jack" Blake Jr.

Caleb John "Jack" Blake Jr

14th April, 1942 – 5th November, 2025

Jack Blake was absolutely one of a kind, yet he was also "every man" Jack. When he entered a room, you could feel his presence; he had an unmistakably strong and powerful vibe. And if you didn't know him, you'd certainly know him before the room emptied. He had a way of connecting with anyone & everyone, and he endeared himself to thousands of people by just being Jack. To know him was to love him.

Jack was born to Caleb John "Jack" Sr. and Miriam R. Blake in Staten Island, NY in 1942. He spent his formative years as a real New Yorker; even after the family relocated to the Chicago area, he never lost that New York groove. He graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in Roseland, IL, and set off for higher education at Villanova University. It was at Villanova where he hooked up with a group of musicians, including Tim Hauser, Tommy West, and Jim Croce. Yes, the Jim Croce.

After studying at Villanova University, he followed in his father's footsteps and served in the United States Navy, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant JG. After his service, he had a "love at first sight" moment in which he met his wife of 58 years, Nancy. Work in the oil business found Jack and Nancy in Houston, TX where they introduced their first two children, Jake and Don. The Blake family relocated to the Chicago area in 1972 where they added Kate, Maggie, and Pat to the cast of the Blake family.

In Wauconda, IL, the Blake family was very involved with the local Catholic Parish and their many fundraisers, where Jack and Nancy shared their gift of music with the community. Over time, the entire Blake family would be seen performing on stage together. Of all Jack's accomplishments in life, his musical legacy was high on his list and was something of which he was immensely proud.

After retiring, Jack and Nancy moved to Green Lake, WI. Soon afterward, they discovered the town of Port St. Joe, FL, and fell in love with the area and its people. Over the course of 28 years, Jack and Nancy have been proud to call Port St. Joe their home. In retirement, he and Nancy became world travelers, eventually setting foot on every continent in the world, including Antarctica. During this time, they'd also spent a number of years running a B&B on the north island of New Zealand. Their travels are well documented, and there are literally tens of thousands of photos from all corners of the earth. And because Jack was just being Jack, lifelong friendships were made everywhere their travels took them.

Jack had an innate ability to bring people together, and his generosity of spirit was one of his greatest attributes. He did not suffer fools gladly, but he wouldn't ever say a bad word about anyone. He was militantly apolitical, and was a happier man because of it. He followed his beloved Yankees for many years, and more recently became enamored with NCAA football. His biggest love was his family, watching his kids & grand kids grow, and keeping in touch with his many, many friends. If you were a friend of Jack's, I'm sure you know that he cherished your friendship.

Jack is survived by wife, Nancy, and children, Jake & Pam, Don & Ellen, Kate & Matt, Maggie & Nate, and Pat & Britta. Grandchildren CJ, Andrew, Kameron, Julian, Miriam, Findley, Alexander, Blake, and Tenzing.

A memorial service will be held at Burr Oak Groves in Green Lake, WI in the summer of 2026.