Jerry James Blackard

Jerry James Blackard, of Mansfield, Arkansas, and more recently, a resident of Hixson, Tennessee, departed this earthly life bound for his eternal home in Christ on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the age of 87.

The youngest of four children born to Hazel Dell Fox and Delbert Lee Blackard, Jerry was destined to be a person of the “outdoors.” From an early age, it was common for him to be partnered with his best friend, “Doss” Jones, traipsing through the woods, hunting squirrels, rabbits, and opossums, or fishing in creeks. This love for the great outdoors was the catalyst for Jerry’s choice in college studies and his eventual career choice.

Jerry was born on February 6, 1936, and at the age of 20, he married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, the late Dortha Marie DeHart (deceased 2017), also of Mansfield, Arkansas. Jerry attended college at The University of Arkansas and Utah State University in his early twenties, earning his Bachelor’s of Science in Wildlife Biology. He later received a master’s degree from Louisiana State University in Fish and Wildlife. Jerry and Dortha were blessed early on in their marriage with three girls: Karen Lynne (Bill) Peggram; Tammy Jo (Tony) Greer; and Janice Kay (Rick) Redfern. Jerry loved to share his knowledge and passion for the outdoors and wildlife, and he inspired countless hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and canoeing trips for the family. Often, when the girls were young, those camping and hiking trips were extended to the girls’ boyfriends tagging along for the adventure. Jerry was a Boy Scout leader, a Master Gardener, and a member of both Toastmasters International and Ducks Unlimited. Additionally, Jerry was proud to be called “Granddad” to four grandchildren: Kent (Jennifer), Nathan (Megan), Tracy (Tom) and Kyle (Aaron). As the grandchildren grew, ski trips, fishing trips, and hikes in the great outdoors were enjoyed with the extended family. Jerry’s lineage now includes eight great-grandchildren: Madison, Chloe, Britton, Bryce, Gavin, Holland, Mia and Wyatt.

Throughout their 62 years of marriage, Jerry and Dortha had the opportunity to experience living in many parts of the United States due to Jerry’s more than 30-year tenure with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, where he last served as Deputy Assistant Regional Director of Federal Aid. As a result, the couple cultivated many friends and their Christmas card list became extensive throughout the years. Some of their dearest friendships were made in Marietta, Georgia and Littleton, Colorado. Being involved in the local church was a priority, and Jerry and Dortha were deliberate in raising their children to be in church to become grounded in their faith in Christ. The Blackard couple often talked of memories and good times of trips they had taken with their Sunday School Class friends: a trip to the Mediterranean, a cruise to Alaska, and other local fishing and camping trips in Georgia, Florida, and the mountains of Colorado.

Jerry often commented, “God has truly blessed my life with many wonderful opportunities: a good education, dear friends all over the country, and the privilege of being part of a caring Christian family.”

Jerry will be greatly missed on this earth, but those who knew him rejoice in the hope that one day all who are in Christ will be reunited in Heaven.

“Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

-Matthew 11:28

“Dad, when you see Mom, tell her we miss her very much. But we ‘three girls’ are confident knowing we will see you both again someday! We love you.”

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023 – 4 p.m. at Valleybrook Presbyterian Church 6001 Hixson Pike Hixson, TN 37343

The Family would like to add a note of gratefulness and thanks to the staff at Dominion Senior Living of Hixson for their compassionate care for our father over the past sixteen months.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to:

Compassion International – Child Sponsorship Program in honor of Jerry Blackard.