Obituary of Major General James Gary Blaney

MAJOR GENERAL JAMES G. BLANEY passed away peacefully on Sunday October 18, 2020, at Alden Estates in Jefferson with his wife, Ramona at his side.

 

 He was born on October 17, 1938 in Ontario, Canada to Alexander F. and Ethel (O’Rourke) Blaney.  James graduated from Kendall High School in 1957. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1964 and completed his master’s degree in 1969.  He is also a graduate of the Wisconsin Military Academy, 1963; Command and General Staff College, 1979 and the United States Army War College, 1984.

 

The General began his military career by enlisting in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in October, 1960. He mobilized in 1961 with the 32nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington, for the Berlin Crisis.  In 1963, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and was assigned as a platoon leader, Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry.  His many subsequent assignments have included command of the 2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry; the Wisconsin Military Academy; the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Troop Command; and the 32nd Separate Infantry Brigade.  In 1995 he was named assistant Adjutant General for special operations, and in January, 1996, he became Deputy Adjutant General for Army--the Commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

 

General Blaney was appointed to his present position as Adjutant General of Wisconsin by then Governor Tommy G. Thompson, taking office in 1997.  As the Adjutant General of Wisconsin, he was responsible for both federal and state missions of the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management.

 

General Blaney's military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Serivce Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (5th Award), the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, the Wisconsin Distinguished Service Medal, the Wisconsin National Guard Berlin Crisis Ribbon and others.

 

He married Ramona Kane on April 26, 1991 in Woodstock, IL.  James taught physical education in the Milwaukee area for over 25 years ending his teaching career at Waukesha North High School.

 

James is survived by his wife, Ramona Kane-Blaney of Oconomowoc, sons Gary Blaney of Bellview, WA and Scott Blaney of Phoenix, AZ.  He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Alex Blaney, Patricia Stiles and Sandra Alderman .

 

Memorials in James’ name may be made to a veteran’s organization of your choice.

 

Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence for the family.

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