James Gilbert Blankenship

He leaves behind his children Kerry Blankenship (Steven Evens), Susan Blankenship (Oscar Meijer), Elisabeth Blankenship (Curtis Backman), Kathryn Blankenship, and James “Jimmy” Blankenship. He was a devoted grandfather to Nick Blankenship, Nicole Blankenship, Keeley Blankenship (James), Jonathan Magas (Susan) and Helena Guerrera (Kathryn), and a cherished great-grandfather to Xander and Ryot Magas.

James now joins his parents and siblings in rest.

Throughout his life, James pursued a wide range of careers. He worked as a farmer, cultivating tobacco and cash crops, and later as a carpenter and house builder. He shared his knowledge as an instructor at Fanshawe College, worked as a taxi driver, and was even a dance instructor.

A proud veteran, he served in the United States Armed Forces from August 23, 1954, to August 20, 1956. His service included postings at Camp Gordon, Georgia; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and the 5th General Hospital in Stuttgart, Germany, where he served as a Private First Class. He continued his military commitment in the U.S. Active Reserve and Standby Reserve from 1956 to 1962, earning promotions to Corporal in January 1957 and Sergeant in July 1958. In later years, he was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 272 (Hespeler), where he held ordinary membership for ten years.

A service will take place at Bushnell Veteran Cemetery, Florida, on December 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM.