Jack Bland

Jack Dale Bland, age 70, passed away August 17, 2013 in Cottonwood, Arizona. Jack was born November 3, 1942 in New Bern, Illinois to Robert L. & Blanche Bland. He was raised there and graduated from Jerseyville High School. Following his schooling he began working for Owens Glass, where he worked for over 20 years. Jack was a Journeyman member of the Glass Bottle Blowers Association. He moved to Arizona in 1983 settling in Wickenburg. He began working for Benner-Nawman, Inc. He was a member of the American Legion Post 12 and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed the activities of the Legion and was involved in placing the memorial flags on holidays as well as Bingo. During the holiday season Jack was active working as Santa at many of the area schools. He was preceded in death by son Jack Dale Bland in 1984, grandson James Bland, Jr. and brothers Larry, Richard and William Bland. He survived by his sons, James Bland of Kingsville, Texas, Joseph (Brittney) Bland of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina and Jason (Tracy) Bland of Peoria, Arizona, companion Carolyn Petty of Wickenburg, brothers Ed, Stanley & James Bland and Fred Heitzman all of Illinois and sisters Nancy Booth, Judy Kassler, Roberta Donelson, Shirley Young and Betty Summers all of Illinois, grandchildren Ashley, Kristen, Brennan, Kylie & Gracie Bland and great-grandchildren Ariel & Ethan Bland. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 6:00 PM at the American Legion Hall Post 12 at 176 N. Frontier St. Wickenburg. Memorial contributions in Jack's memory can be made to the American Legion Post 12.