James D. Blank

BLANK, JORGENSON, BRUEMMER, GERHARDT, LAWTON, CRIPPEN

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 6/11/2009 at 16:19:18

James D. Blank, 79, of Iowa City, died Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at Iowa City Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Iowa City from complications of a stroke suffered 10 years ago.

Jim was born January 6, 1929 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, the son of Albert and Mildred (Jorgenson) Blank. He married Phyllis Bruemmer April 10, 1950 in Solon, Iowa. Jim received his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education Administration from the University of Iowa. He received his Bachelors degree from LaCrosse State Teachers College. Moving to Iowa City in 1953, Jim worked for the Iowa City Community School District for 38 years, as principal at Twain Elementary (1955-1965), director of elementary education (1965-1972), principal at Longfellow (1972-1985) and principal at Grant Wood (1985 – 1989). Retiring in 1989, he enjoyed golfing, fishing and cooking.

He was a life member of the National Education Association and a past member of the Iowa State Education Association, Iowa City Teachers Education Association, School Administrators of Iowa, Iowa Elementary Principals, National Association of Elementary Principals, both the Iowa and National Associations of Curriculum Development and Phi Delta Kappa.

Jim is survived by his seven children and eleven grandchildren, his late son Michael's children, Erika and Krysta Blank; Jeffrey Blank (Rev. Rose Blank) of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and his children Brent and Jenna; James Blank Jr. (Marcia) of Culver City, California and their children James D. III and Megan; Susan Gerhardt (Dietrich) of Bettendorf and their sons Conrad, Armin and William; Loraine Lawton (Joseph) of Iowa City; Andrew Blank of St. Paul, Minnesota, Kathryn Missy Crippen (Mark) of Phoenix, Arizona and their children, Reid and Julia; Peter Blank of North Liberty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Phyllis in August of 2007, his eldest son Michael Blank in March of 2008, four sisters and four brothers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to The Iowa City Community School District Foundation to benefit Mark Twain, Grant Wood and Longfellow Elementary Schools.