ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL: James R. Blocki, 85, retired SVP of advertising and marketing services for Kraft Foods, died at his home in Arlington Heights, IL on Thursday, November 4, 2010, after a long illness.
Blocki joined Kraft in 1952 and eventually took charge of all advertising, including TV, radio, and print media, as well as publicity programs for the Retail Food Group. He also oversaw consumer service, consumer affairs, sales promotion, packaging, trade promotion, policies, the graphic arts printing company, and the company's art and photo studios.
Blocki also initiated and implemented innovative programs, such as the integration of TV recipe commercials with TV Guide recipes; America's Junior Miss Awards and Scholarship Program; national coupon programs; and promotions with other companies.
He is survived by his wife Virginia, daughter Linda, grandson Garrett, son William, granddaughters Brooke and Tara, son Richard, and grandsons Ryan and Collin.