He served his country in the United States Army for over 20 years. He served three tours of Duty in Vietnam, where he learned to speak Vietnamese and achieving such honors as Expert Marksman, several Bronze Star Medals, Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Army Commendation Medal.
James loved serving people, gardening, artwork, woodworking, cooking and eating.
He is survived by his son, Anthony Burgess and his wife , Latasha of Augusta, GA; sister, Inez Todd of Jesup, GA and brother, John Blanton, Jr. of Jesup, GA.
A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, February 27, 2019 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, 2524 Lumpkin Road, Augusta, GA. A graveside service will occur Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Bellevue Memorial Gardens, 4501 Wrightsboro Road, Grovetown, GA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliottsonsgeorgia.com for the Blanton family.