James Curtiss Blanchard

Curt was the 6th child in a family of 8 children, raised on a farm in Russellville, Kentucky. While a student at the University of Kentucky, he met May Virginia Arnold, of Owenton, Kentucky, and they were married for 65 years, raised four children and adored their grandsons.

He collected rocks and created huge sculptured gardens. He studied Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, and completed five college degrees, including journalism and theology. Curt served in the Coast Guard during WWII as a radar operator and then as an Army Chaplain in Vietnam, Germany, Okinawa, Fort Knox, Presidio and Fort Huachuca. Curt volunteered in Israel archeological excavations and was a 32nd degree Mason. During his last two years, he was cared for graciously by the staff of the Veterans Home.

Curt is survived by his wife May of 65 years, his children Stanley, Charlotte Kem and Kien, his grandsons Dalton (19) and Von (7), and his sister Roberta (102). His daughter Sarah LeRuth preceded him in death in 2005.

Private arrangements and final resting place with East Lawn Palms in Tucson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests only donations to the charity of your choice, and sends out a gentle plea to please be kind to others.