John Ames Blakely was born June 26, 1930, In Highland, NY. Son of John Charles and Clara Ames Blakely, he graduated Highland High School and attended NYU for a short time before returning home where he met Joan Forrest and was soon married. He enlisted in the Navy and was stationed as a storekeeper in Norman, Oklahoma.
After an honorable discharge, John enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a pharmacy degree. He worked as a pharmacist in Tulsa for over 40 years, working for Warren Clinic, T. Roy Barnes, Med-X and Homeland Pharmacies, among others.
He was an avid golfer, and pool player. He loved board games and all card games, from bridge to poker to books 'n runs. In high school he played the trumpet, sang in the choir, and was first baseman for the baseball team. He was a long-time supporter of the Memorial High School Band Booster Club. He was a poll worker for the Democratic Party. Later in life he learned to snowboard, hang glide, and the art of trapeze performance. He also earned a red belt in Taekwondo and was one of the oldest competitors in the US Taekwondo Union.
He died Friday, March 20, 2020, in Claremore Regional Hospital of a short illness. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Frank Blakely; a son, Forrest Blakely; and a great-grandson, Cooper Bridges. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan Blakely; his brother Thomas Blakely, and sister, Janice Blakely; his son, David Blakely; 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He will be buried at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery.