James Franklin Blizzard Sr.

Born on November 13, 1946, in Augusta, Georgia, Jim lived a life marked by faith, devotion, service, and love. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Blizzard, after a brief courtship, and together they shared 58 years of marriage filled with laughter, steadfast love, and commitment. They raised five children: Jim Blizzard (Donna), Chris Blizzard, Joe Blizzard (Leigh), Tom Blizzard (Brandi), and Katie Wilkins (Todd).

Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 22 years. His loyalty, discipline, and honor as a Marine shaped every part of his life. He and Phyllis moved along the East Coast, and wherever they lived, the very first thing they sought was a church home. Jim was a faithful deacon at First Baptist Church Irmo and loved volunteering at Sharing God’s Love, pouring his heart into service for others.

A man of humor and kindness, Jim had a personal joke or story for everyone he loved, making each person feel seen, valued, and part of his circle. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His grandchildren — Lydia, Noah, Isaac, Johnathan, Chase, Taylor, Kaytlin, Ella, Josh, and Izzy — brought him immense joy, and his great-granddaughter, Poppy, filled his heart with pride. Even in his final days, when words were difficult, his eyes still shone at the sight of his family.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Blizzard; his children; his grandchildren; his great-granddaughter; his sisters, Ora Newsome, Faye Axon, Mary Ann Dubose, Betty Ruth Koon, and Phebe Blizzard; and his brothers, Henry Blizzard and David Blizzard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher Blizzard (1968) and Elizabeth Blizzard (2003), and his brother, Charles Blizzard (2019).

A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Irmo in Irmo, South Carolina, on September 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with a celebration of life service following at 11:00 a.m. The family will gather at the home of Phyllis Blizzard and Katie and Todd Wilkins. Jim will be cremated and placed in a mausoleum with full military honors ceremony which will be held at Fort Jackson at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leeza’s Care Connections, Sharing God’s Love, or the Sowers, reflecting the causes closest to Jim’s heart. Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of a man who loved God, his family, his country, and all who crossed his path.