ames Harrison Blankenship–83 years old, originally from Hurley, Va. died in his home in Summerfield, Fla. July 3, 2018.
Family
He is survived by his wife, Janice (Jan) , and daughter Chrisanne who were by his side at his death. His other surviving relatives are a grandson, Jacob, a granddaughter Kyra and two daughter-in-laws Alexandra and Tamara. He was preceded in death by his son, Jay, in 2015.
Life
Jim’s career spanned 39 years starting in Richmond, Va., then Huntington, W Va., Chicago, Ill., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Baltimore. Md. working for CSX Railway Company (originally Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad) retiring in 1992. During his career life, he was a active member of a School Board, Zoning Board, and our Condo Homeowners Board in Chicago and was the creator of a local travel guide for the Northern Neck of Virginia during the time he resided there. Originally retiring to Richmond, Va., and then moved to the Chesapeake Bay. In 2002, he moved to Dell Webb Spruce Creek where he was on the HOA Board for 7 years when his health required him to retire. He enjoyed reading, traveling, was a passionate history buff, ancestry buff, and spent many hours exploring the internet with a desire to keep expanding his knowledge of the world.
Services
A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Monday—July 16, 2018 at 10 am at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Kindred Hospice-1320 SE 25th Loop, Suite 101, Ocala, Fl. 34471
Friends, family, and those who served with Jim are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
One of our favorite people, and one of the finest GENTLEMEN that we have ever known; RIP JIM…
Jan, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a great contributor to his Community. He was a good man and I will always have fond memories of him. My thoughts are with you.
JAN, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE OUR PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES. JIM DID SO MUCH FOR OUR COMMUNITY. HE ALWAYS HAD SUCH A WARM SMILE FOR EVERYONE AND I PERSONALLY WILL REMEMBER HIS ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME DURING THE PLAY PRODUCTIONS. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.
Jim made us feel at home, when we moved into Tamarron almost 4 years ago. We will miss his intelligent conversation, always laced with a good dose of humor. He was a PRINCE of a man and will be sorely missed. Jan, we extend our sincere condolences to you and your family at this time. If you need anything, we are right next door.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s death. He certainly worked hard to make this world–and this community–a better place. May he rest in peace. May you find comfort, Jan.