James R. "Dick" Blacka

James R. "Dick" Blacka, age 81, of New Philadelphia, passed away Friday, January 22, 2016, just a week following the death of his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Maxine.

Born April 25, 1934, at New Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Frank and Isabelle (Beitzel) Blacka. Dick attended New Philadelphia High School, and was a heavy equipment operator for several local companies, retiring from Kimble Companies at Dover. Following his retirement, he transported automobiles for Chuck Nicholson and delivered Mobile Meals for Union Hospital.

Dick was a member of Jerusalem Church at New Philadelphia. He thoroughly enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and also liked to travel. He was a great fan of the Cleveland Indians and the Ohio State Buckeyes. In his younger days, Dick raced stock cars at area tracks.

Survivors include his daughter, Shelley (Jeff) Troyer of Sugarcreek; his son, Mark (Lori) Blacka of Bolivar; his grandchildren, Stacie (Brian) Pfeiffer, Zeb (Erica) Troyer, Kellie (Kenny) Yackey, Ryan and Morgan Blacka; his great-grandchildren, Emily and Matthew Pfeiffer, Keara and Karson Yackey, and Kyson Troyer; his sister, Wanda (Richard) Shaffer of New Philadelphia; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Blacka of Dover; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Carol Murphy of Dover; and his several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, and his wife, Maxine, Dick was preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Blacka; his sister, Darla Limbacher; and his brother, Wade "Bud" Blacka.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 30, at 11 a.m., in Jerusalem Church, with Pastor Matt Baker officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Following the committal, there will be a luncheon in the church social hall. Family and friends are invited to call at the church on Saturday, 10 11 a.m. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Dick, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the Toland-Herzig website.

The family suggests that contributions in Dick's memory be made to Jerusalem Church, 1417 Stonecreek Rd. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.