James Kenneth Blakely, 60 of Kahoka, MO died Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Methodist Charlton Medical Center in Dallas, TX. He was born February 7, 1956 in Edina, MO the son of Kenneth and Thelma Lay Blakely. James had been employed by Swift Trucking as an over the road truck driver. James enjoyed several outdoor activities including hunting and fishing. He was a mechanic by trade and liked going to car shows. James loved to watch old western movies but most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren who were the light of his life. James is survived by two sons, James K. Blakely, Jr. of Troy, MO and Matthew Kurtis Blakely (Katherine "Kat") of Keokuk, six grandchildren, six sisters, Caroline O'Day (Joseph) of Kahoka, MO, Bonnie Patten of Keokuk, Wanda Davis of Las Vegas, NV, Sharon Perry of Keokuk, Shirley DeFreitas of Glasford, IL and Patty Seyb of Kahoka, MO, one brother, David Blakely of West Memphis, TN, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Joyce Blakely and Gladys Blakely. A Gathering of Remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk. Memorials may be made to the family.