Darwin James Blaine died on June 17, 2012. He was born on July 14, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York. Darwin was the son of the late Alice James Blaine and the late Norfleet Edward Blaine. He graduated from Polytechnic Preparatory Country Day School in 1944. Darwin then served in the First Division of the United States Marine Corps from 1944 to 1946 in Okinawa and China. Upon his return to the States, he attended Johns Hopkins University and graduated in the class of 1951 with a BS in Business. On December 29, 1951 he married Nancy Jean Curtis, whom he had met in the fall of 1949 on a blind date. Darwin and Nancy settled in Baltimore,...
Darwin James Blaine died on June 17, 2012. He was born on July 14, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York. Darwin was the son of the late Alice James Blaine and the late Norfleet Edward Blaine. He graduated from Polytechnic Preparatory Country Day School in 1944. Darwin then served in the First Division of the United States Marine Corps from 1944 to 1946 in Okinawa and China. Upon his return to the States, he attended Johns Hopkins University and graduated in the class of 1951 with a BS in Business. On December 29, 1951 he married Nancy Jean Curtis, whom he had met in the fall of 1949 on a blind date.
Darwin and Nancy settled in Baltimore, Maryland where Darwin began his career in the Printing Industry. In 1965 the family of 5 moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he was the manager of Borden Chemical Company which produced printing ink. Upon his retirement from Borden, Darwin opened Mecklenburg Bindery, which he owned and operated until 1997.
In 1966 Darwin and Nancy joined Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Darwin was a very active member, teaching Sunday School and serving as a Deacon and Elder. He was also a dedicated volunteer of Friendship Trays and Urban Ministry.
Darwin was loved and respected by many who were charmed by his wit and personality. He always had his front door and bar open for friends and family. His grandchildren will always remember him for his grilled cheese sandwiches, his sweet tooth, storytelling, and his reading "T'was the Night Before Christmas" every Christmas Eve.
Mr. Blaine was predeceased by his brother, Norfleet E. Blaine, Jr., and is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Curtis Blaine; and children, Darwin James Blaine, Jr., Curtis Fonda Blaine and wife, Peggy, Allyson Blaine Haenlein and husband, Walter; and eight wonderful grandchildren, Andrew, Curtis, Mary Stevens and Rush Blaine; and James, Jackie, Nadine and Katherine Haenlein. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Yvonne Blaine and Carol Curtis; nieces, Barbara Chapman and Nancy Blaine; and nephew, Neill Curtis.
A service to celebrate the life of Darwin James Blaine will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte. The family will receive friends following the service in Providence Hall at the church. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Urban Ministry Center, 945 North College St., Charlotte, NC 28206, or to the Myers Park Presbyterian Church Music Fund, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207.