James Blankenship

Rev. Blankenship was born on January 7, 1932 in Denison, TX. At the age of 12, he preached his first sermon at First Church of the Nazarene in Denison, TX. He married his childhood sweetheart, Christine Barnard, on August 16, 1951. In 1953, he graduated from what is now Southern Nazarene University with a degree in Theology. During his pastoral career, Rev. Blankenship served at Pawhuska (Oklahoma), Tulsa Regency Park (Oklahoma), Austin Grace (Texas), and St. Louis Webster Groves (Missouri). In 1973, he became superintendent of the Northwestern Ohio District, where he served until 1980 when he became superintendent of the San Antonio District. He served in this capacity for 22 years. In 1978, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Mt Vernon Nazarene University.

Preceding Rev. Blankenship in death were his parents, Christine Weist Blankenship and Lee Harold Blankenship; and sister, Rosemary Sullivan.

Those left to cherish his legacy include his wife of 58 years, Chris; daughter, Karen Donnerberg and husband John of Lubbock; granddaughters, Emily Rowin and husband Ty of Lubbock; Amy Donnerberg of Lubbock; siblings Betty Lynch and husband WM of Nashville, TN; Harold Blankenship and wife Doris of Oklahoma City, OK; Jacob Blankenship and wife Helen of Olathe, KS; Carolyn McNeil and husband Don of Denison, TX; several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Family & friends will gather in celebration of his life on April 19, 11:00 am, First Church of The Nazarene, 6110 Chicago, Lubbock, TX. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5pm to 7pm at Resthaven Funeral Home. Please join us in celebrating Jim’s life by visiting his memorial at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.

Family suggests memorials to Southern Nazarene University Minister’s Scholarship Fund – 6729 Northwest 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK, 73008.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Direct Health Care and VistaCare Hospice for your personal touch.

Displaying a heart of Christian love for people of all ages and a sincere desire to lead others to Christ, Jim went through life with a friendly smile and hand extended to everyone. Many have said he was the kindest person they have ever met.