and Savior on April 7, 2019 at Presidential Oaks surrounded by
loved ones. James was born April 7, 1934 in Concord, NH to
Donald T. and Jean (Paul) Blanchard.
After serving in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956, James pursued his
education, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Keene
State College in 1960. The pursuit of a Master’s Degree from
Middlebury College was interrupted to battle a life-threatening
illness.
A lifelong resident of the Concord area, Jim dedicated
significant time in service to the community. For over 30
years, he taught English to many students at Rundlett Jr. High
School. His passion for serving the Lord and his desire that
others come to know Jesus led Jim to become an integral part of
many local ministries. For over 55 years, Jim ministered to the
inmates of the NH State Prison through weekly Bible studies and
church services, as well as the locally televised show ‘Prison
Chapel of the Air.’ Jim was also very committed to WVNH radio,
Maranatha Ministries, as well as Gideons International. For
nearly 40 years until the time of his death, Jim served as an
Elder at Concord Bible Fellowship, teaching spiritual truths
from the Word of God. After becoming the first New Hampshire
resident to receive a living-donor kidney from his brother Alan
nearly 50 years ago, both he and Alan and their families worked
to establish the New Hampshire Kidney Foundation to provide
resources for kidney patients and promote life-saving organ
donation.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, his brother Alan, and his
beloved granddaughter, Brooke E. Blanchard.
Members of his family include his wife of 65 years, Vesta
(Spinney) Blanchard of Concord; son Steven Blanchard and wife,
Sally of Concord; daughter Jodi Acheson and husband, Kevin of
Sanbornton; his grandchildren, whom he adored, John Blanchard
and his wife, Cindy; Andrew Blanchard and his wife, Vanessa;
Crystal Lemay and her husband, Jacob; Daniel Acheson and his
wife, Karli; and Lauren Lossani; his great-grandchildren Ethan,
Emersyn, Ainsley and Alec, who brought him great joy; his
brother Donald G. Blanchard and wife Gertrude; sister-in-law
Elizabeth Blanchard; many dear nieces and nephews; and his
faithful dog Oscar.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 3:00
p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St.
Concord. A private burial service will be Friday at the NH
Veterans’ Cemetery in Boscawen. A Memorial Service will take
place at Concord Bible Fellowship, 25 Rockingham St. Concord, on
Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s
name to Voice of the Martyrs (persecution.com); Samaritan’s
Purse (samaritanspurse.com); or The National Kidney Foundation
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at
https://www.BennettFuneral.com for the Blanchard family.
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