CAPT James M. Blackford US Navy (Ret.)

December 25, 1941 — August 7, 2021

Mike Blackford passed away peacefully Saturday, August 7, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. In December 2019, Mike was diagnosed with liver cancer, which he found particularly annoying as he had never really been a drinker. Had he known this is how he would die, he would have taken the opportunity to imbibe more than he did!

Mike was born on Christmas Day in 1941 — which would be his cross to bear for the next 79 years. Inevitably, his birthday was always forgotten in the excitement of the Christmas holiday. In truth, if there was anyone who deserved to be born on the same day as Christ our Savior, it was Mike. He was the kindest, most selfless son, brother, husband, father and friend. He was the beloved son of Freda and Howard Blackford, and was the doting younger brother of Charlie. He spent his boyhood years in Mattoon, Illinois — a town so small it’s doubtful you can find it on the map. But the smallness of the town didn’t seem to hold him back from instigating all sorts of trouble — and depending on how long you knew Mike, you were likely to have heard all the stories. He joined the Navy in 1959 fresh out of high school, never really understanding all that that decision would bring to his life. It brought him his wife of 59 years with whom he fathered three children, the chance to live in two foreign countries, and access to an education and life he could have only dreamed about in Mattoon. He retired as a Navy Captain in 1994, after serving his country for 34 years.

Mike and Marty were married on October 13, 1962 in San Diego, California. Mike chose that date specifically because it was also the birthday of the United States Navy; by choosing that date, he knew he would forget his anniversary - and he never did.

Despite their dismal record and unreliability, he was a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins and loved nothing more than the twice a year games against the Dallas Cowboys — who were beloved by his youngest child and only son, Michael. “Please, God...just let Washington beat Dallas!” He loved a good golf tournament, NASCAR races and a beautiful garden.

He is survived and will be missed terribly by his wife, his three children — Michelle, Laurye and Michael; son-in-law Russ, daughter-in-law Sara and three granddaughters Lauren, Katie and Ella.

CAPT James M. Blackford US Navy (Ret.) age 79, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021. James was born December 25, 1941.

A gathering of family and friends for James will be held Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from ten thirty until eleven thirty in the morning at Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 9010 Church Street East, Brentwood, TN 37027, followed by a celebration of life service beginning at eleven thirty. Following the service an interment will be held at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery where military honors will be held.

In lieu of flowers, Mike has requested that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Brentwood-Roesch-PattonFuneralHome.com for the Blackford family.