ATSP

ATSP Charter Member, James W. Blank, 56, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 8, 2000, while on vacation in Mexico with his wife Sue. Jim was born February 28, 1943 in Milwaukee to the late Walter and Agnes Foley Blank. The family came to Sheboygan in his youth, where Jim graduated from North High School in 1961. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim joined the Food Safety and Inspection Service, beginning his career in the Midwest as a Food Inspector in 1965. Jim moved through the ranks as a Circuit Supervisor in Baltimore, MD, reviewer in Lawrence, KS and Washington, D.C., Area Supervisor in Chicago, IL, head of the Processing Operations Staff in Washington, D.C., head of the and Investigations Division, and finishing his illustrious career as District Manager in Madison, WI. Having just retired January 1, Jim was looking forward to finally having time to golf, play billiards, fly a radio controlled airplane, and spend time with old friends and family. Jim has touched so many of us in FSIS. He was the ultimate professional manager, highly respected by all in FSIS and members of industry. Jim always empowered his employees and went the extra mile to help them in their careers. He was well known for his classy dress, his dedication and loyalty to FSIS and his fellow employees, and for having one hell of a sense of humor. His mix of professionalism and kid at heart is a rare quality in a human being. Jim surely enjoyed life. We will miss you dear friend. All of us in ATSP want to extend our sincere sympathies to Sue Blank during this tough time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Sue.