James Angelo Blatus, 85, of Vero Beach, Fl, passed to Eternal Life on Tuesday, October 4th, 2016. He was born to the late James Nicholas and Rose Blatus on July 2, 1931 in Bronx, New York. James, also known as Jim to friends and family, actively served in the US Navy on the Destroyer ship the U.S.S. Preston (DD-795) during the Korean War. Following his 4 years in the Navy, Jim graduated from the New York City Police Academy. After bravely serving 20 years for the NYPD, he retired as Detective Sergeant and moved to Florida. Moving to the next phase of his life, Jim pursued his love of fishing as Captain of his commercial king fishing vessel, the "Miss U". After 12 years of working as a commercial fisherman, he returned to a career in law enforcement as a Sherriff's Deputy for the Indian River Sherriff's Department before finally retiring after 10 years in 1998. He was a member of the Italian American Club of Vero Beach, an avid lover of all sports, enjoyed games of chance, and traveling with his loving wife. He was an engaging storyteller and practical joker, he loved great food and his homemade raviolis were legendary.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carol Theresa Blatus; children, Christopher James Blatus, Patricia Ann Blatus, Jeannie Ann (Leo) Burke, all of Vero Beach, FL; grandson, Mark Brandon Quercioli of Lakewood, Colorado; brothers, Richard (Marie) Blatus of Queens, New York, and Harry (Annemarie) Blatus of City Island, New York. James was preceded in death by his son, Michael James Blatus in 2009.

He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Helen Catholic Church where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on October 15, 2016 followed by Military Honors. Flowers may be sent to St. Helen Church or if preferred, donations may be made to the Scholarship Fund of St. Helen Catholic School. A celebration of life gathering will immediately follow the Mass in the St. Helen Gymnasium, where loved ones will have an opportunity to share their memories of Jim.

Online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.