James "Jimmy" Eldodt Blass Beloved Husband, Father And Friend Icon Of San Francisco Music World On April 2, 2005, at the age of 87. James "Jimmy" Blass passed away a year ago in Sagle, ID, due to complications from a massive stroke. He was born in San Francisco, CA, on April 14, 1917 and was a lifetime resident of this city, attending schools here through college and having forged long and fulfilling careers in both music education and performance. After serving in the Army Air Corps during WWII, he married Pamela Anne Miller on June 15, 1946 and later formed the well-known "Jimmy Blass Orchestra", which performed throughout the Bay Area for over 50 years, 23 of which his wife was his lead singer. Jimmy also was a beloved instrumental music teacher in the Oakland Elementary School District for 47 years. In addition, he was a member of the Pacific Star King Masonic Lodge, the Musicians' Union Local 6 and the California State Teachers' Assn. James was a highly-respected and intelligent gentleman, diligent in all he did, and one of the last of an elegant generation of honor and ethics. He was a very devoted and wonderful husband and father, a witty and loyal friend and colleague, and is and will forever be deeply missed.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pamela, of Sagle, ID; daughter and son-in-law, Kristine and Richard Lutes of Sagle, ID, and their children; cousin, Lee Appel of SF; nephews, James A. Toupin of Washington, DC and Arnold Attell of the LA area; niece, Antoinette Attell of the LA area, and all of their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Grace Blass; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lillian and Arthur Toupin and Adeleine and Alvin Attell, all of SF. Until a memorial service in the area is possible, which at this time is not, due to his wife's severe illness forcing her to stay in Idaho, the family requests that those who knew him remember him always in their hearts.