Jim Blake:
CLASS OF 1972
Gardena High SchoolClass of 1972
Gardena, CA
El Camino CollegeClass of 1982
Torrance, CA
Jim's Story
Life
After graduation worked in various machine shops. Joined US Army in 74. After basic
(Fort Ord) and advanced training (Fort Polk - the pits of the Earth) as a mortar crewman,
I went to Korea (1/9 Infantry) humping moutains with an 81mm mortar for 13 months.
Then went to Fort Carson (6/32 Armor) working as a forward observer for 4.2" mortars
in tracked vehicles (M113's). While there went to Germany for 6 wks on a Reforger
Mission. Got to visit Heidelberg castle and go to the REAL October Fest in Munich. Won
an award in 77 for performance as best 4th Inf Div forward observer. ETS'ed in 78.
Turned out the Army just wasn't the right thing for me (to regimented and not enough
money, no matter how big of a bonus they wanted to pay me). Worked as PC board designer
for 16 yrs 'till co folded. Currently (94 to present) working as the Chief Engineer at a
manufacturing co in Torrance (...Expand for more
read chief cook and bottle washer) doing production and
prototype design and assembly of power distribution devices (bus bars). Essentially I'm a
big fish in a little pond, but the work is easy and the pay is good. Having the key to the
door and the ability to set my own work hours makes work fun! Married twice (divorced
twice). 1st time while in Army (2 yrs), 2nd time after Army (10 yrs). Never had kids.
Life is good! Did a lot
of other things (like playing drums in various bands that went nowhere, building and
racing cars and other adventures) in the past 30 yrs
Update: Moved to Arizona in 02 due to job offer (company got bought out and was offered more money and relocation assistance to go along) and have purchased a house with a pool. Boy it gets hot here, but I love it!
New (9/16/08): Been in AZ 5 yrs now. Still liking it better than LA. Remember: "It's a dry heat!" (LOL)
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