James W. Blank

James W. “Jim” Blank, 88, of Buchanan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 11AM, at Summit Church, 1700 W. River Rd., Niles, with Pastor Dan Miller officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, April 29, 2021, from 10AM until time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Forgotten Man Ministries, 3940 Fruit Ridge Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544, Life Plan, 527 E. Main St., Niles, MI 49120, or Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel & Cremation Services, Buchanan. Jim was born on August 11, 1932, to Erich & Frida (Koester) Blank in Arlington Heights, IL. He graduated from Central High School in South Bend. He then enlisted in the United States Army where he served during the Korean War before being honorably discharged. On February 23, 1957, Jim married the love of his life Kathleen “Kathy” Kish at Our Lady of Hungary in South Bend. Jim worked as an Electrician for the IBEW Local 153 before he retired. Jim enjoyed going fishing, attending bible study at Summit Church and going on many missionary trips with Kathy. Jim is survived by his children, Gary (Karen) Blank of Buchanan, Michael (Mary Jo) Blank of Elkhart, Jeanne Kostreba of Buchanan, and Robert Blank of Buchanan; grandchildren, Roberta, Veronica, Mandy, Joany, Michael, Justin, Derek, Nick, Melissa and Courtney; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Kathy in 2018; parents, Erich & Frida Blank; son Mark Blank; brothers Howard & Harold Blank, brother-in-law Michael Kish and sister-in-law Cecelia Kish.