James E. "Skeeter" Blair, Sr., age 91 of Portsmouth, died Friday, June 17, 2016, at the SOMC Hospice Care Center in Portsmouth. He was born September 8, 1924 in Ashland , KY to the late John and Louie Robinett Blair. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Donna Jean Ainsworth Blair; one son, James E. Blair, Jr.; two brothers, Leroy and Carl; 3 sisters, Mary, Ruth, and Evelyn. James had retired from the Dayton Mallable Foundry in Ironton, was a member of the Truth Tabernacle Apostolic Church in Wheelersburg, and loved spending all his time with his family.

James is survived by two daughters, Lisa (Jess) Pritchard and Jane (Rod) Ferro; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Gizmo.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at the Truth Tabernacle Church in Wheelersburg, with Pastor Robert Davis officiating. Interment will be in the Haverhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until the funeral hour on Tuesday at the church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.swickbussachamberlin.com.