James Riley Blake Jr., known to many as Jimmy, passed away on July 16, 2026, in Evansville, Indiana, at the age of 63. He was born on May 13, 1963, in Bedford, Indiana, and lived a life marked by creativity and an appreciation for the simple joys that made each day meaningful.
After attending school, Jimmy went on to build a career as a tattoo artist, where his talent and steady hand allowed him to share his artistic gifts with others. He had a natural ability to create, and he expressed that gift not only through his work, but also through drawing and painting. His artistic spirit was a defining part of who he was, and it brought him pride and purpose throughout his life.
Outside of his work, Jimmy found happiness in the outdoors and in the traditions he loved. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting, and he valued the connection to nature that those activities gave him. He also loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and he treasured hearing his kids play guitar. Those moments brought him great joy and reflected the strong bonds he shared with the people he loved most.
Jimmy is survived by his children, Kayan Palmer-Blake, Colin Palmer-Blake, and Amy Goble; his stepson, Matthew Palmer-Coy; his four grandchildren; his one great-grandchild; his stepfather, Phillip Miller; his siblings, Fonda Schwindt (Chuck), Todd Miller (Dawn), and Ashleigh Danford; and his aunts and uncles, Linda Walls, Mary Bateman, and Mike Goble. He will be remembered with love by all who knew him and by those whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and presence.
He was preceded in death by his father, James R. Blake Sr.; his mother, Janice “Goble” Miller; his aunt, Phyllis Purdue; his uncles, David Walls and Robert Goble; and his grandparents, Robert and Elizabeth “Mattingly” Goble and John and Georgia Miller. Their memories remained an important part of his life, and he carried the influence of his family with him always.
Jimmy will be remembered as a man who loved deeply and found joy in both art and family. His legacy lives on in the memories he created, the artwork he shared, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.
There will be a celebration of life held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area. Online condolences and fond memories may be made at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son-Gill Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with James’ arrangements.
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