James Wilkins Blanton

In the wee hours of the morning, a remarkable man who spent most of his life caring for, protecting, and loving others, slipped quietly away, no bells sounded, the earth did not shake, but those that knew him profoundly felt the loss.

Born some 91 years earlier to Agnes Zuch Blanton and James Walton Blanton, Jimmy began his life in Nordheim, Texas with one sister, Helen, who was 10 years his senior. From 1903 to 1938, Jimmys father founded and published the Nordheim View newspaper, later to be called the Dewitt View when the readership expanded to encompass the county. Jimmy loved his mother, and although she died in June 1923, flowers pressed from her funeral were part of the cherished possessions he kept with him to the end. His sister Helen, influenced by her fathers love for the written word and a thirst for education, chose a life career as a teacher. Never married, Helen, along with Jimmy, cared for their father until his death in 1941. She later lived with and was cared for by Jimmy until her death in 1980.

In 1939, after four years at Texas Lutheran College, Jimmy went to work for Frost Bank in San Antonio. World War II interrupted his career, when, in February 1942, he was drafted into the Army. Jimmy seldom spoke of the time he spent in the South Pacific. Yet, his official records show that he entered as a Sergeant, served as a chemical weapons officer, served in the South Pacific on several islands and in Japan shortly after the war and left the service at the rank of Captain on April 7, 1946, with an Asiatic Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, an American Theater Campaign Medal, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star and a Victory Medal.

Frost Bank was blessed to have Jimmy back after the war. Based on his sharp intellect and financial acumen, he rapidly rose through the ranks, and retired in 1980 as the banks Audit Officer. Although Jimmy kept his nose to the grindstone, his heart still searched for his kindred spirit. He found what he was looking for in one of his employees, Ruby Ressel. Having lost her husband in 1968, she exhibited strength, gentleness, compassion, and an inner beauty that Jimmy recognized as someone he could love for a lifetime. Never one to act with haste, however, it took 12 years and the loss of his sister Helen, for Jimmy to finally muster the courage to ask this beautiful woman for a date. Once motivated, it only took a few dates and the gift of a fish for him to convince Ruby to marry him. Their love endured for 25 years until her death in September 2003.

Over the years, Jimmy grew to be much more than a stepfather to Rubys two sons from her first marriage; he was and will always be the grandfather and great-grandfather of 16 beautiful children. His family and friends will all miss his riddles, the mischievous twinkle in his eye, his joy and zest for life, and his kind and generous heart. He was a man to be looked up to, a Christian role model, an astute financial analyst, a generous companion and friend, and a gentle and humble spirit worthy of respect and admiration.

Jimmy is survived by his stepsons, Darwin Ressel and wife Lynda of Bulverde, Texas; and Warren Ressel and wife Betty of Austin, Texas; grandchildren: Deanne Breedlove and husband Shawn, Robyn Raine, Sarah Soliz and husband Phil, Rachael Hill and husband Shane, and Michael Ressel; as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

Rev. Skip Courter officiating. Pallbearers include Michael Ressel, Shane Hill, Phil Soliz, Deanne Breedlove, Ronnie Biediger, and John Fricke.

The family requests memorial contributions to be made to the charity of your choice.

Interment will be in San Fernando Cemetery No. 3.