James P. Blach Sr. ’50 was born May 4, 1923 and died Dec. 29, 2013. A resident of Mountain View, Jim was born in S.F. to John and Georgina Blach. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth of 63 yrs. Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, brothers John, Don Blach ’55, Mike, and sisters Georgina, Patricia and Mary. Surviving brothers Bob, Dick, Alan; sisters Betty and Joan. Also preceding Jim in death, his two children Beth and Ken. Jim was the proud father of 11: Jim Jr., Barb (Floyd), Tom (Tina), Phil (Lola), Paul (Tracy), Beverly (Nina), Steve, Dave (Christy), and Tracy. A proud grandfather of 12 and great grandfather of 2. The family moved to Los Altos in 1934 where Jim and his brothers and sisters worked on the apricot orchard, and tended to livestock. This gave Jim and family a work ethic which enabled the entire family to become reliable, responsible and successful. Jim graduated from St. Ignatius High School in S.F. and joined the Army Air Corps and as a 2nd Lt., Jim navigated B-17’s during WWII. After the war, Jim attended Santa Clara University and after graduating was called back to service from 1950-53 to fight in Korea as a 1st Lt. and navigator. After his service, he went to work for Equitable and in a few years became district mgr. Later Jim became a real estate broker selling recreation property and then business opportunities. In 1974 Jim purchased Clarke’s Charcoal Broiler and was still boss at 90 yrs. old. Jim had many passions and talents. He loved to play bridge, cribbage, boating, fishing and also loved taking his family camping and water skiing. Jim joined the Elks Lodge, Palo Alto and was a member since 1946, he also belonged to numerous clubs, and became Pres. of St. Joseph’s Mens Club. Jim’s faith in God was as strong as his will, and his success at everything he did. Jim was also instrumental in the beginning days of High School Sports Focus and hosted the show at his restaurant along with Channel 36. Jim was many things to many people and will be missed by his large family and many friends.