James “Jim” Bligh, 80, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on October 17, 2026 [surrounded by his loving family]. Born on February 19, 1946, on Long Island, New York, Jim lived a life defined by courage, devotion to family, and quiet strength.
As a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, Jim served with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment. He served bravely in the Vietnam War, where he lost his leg in service to his country. It was a sacrifice he gave without complaint, and it never defined who he was. He came home and built a full life, including 35 years with UPS, where he earned the respect of everyone who worked beside him.
A man of strong Catholic faith, Jim drew strength from his beliefs throughout his life, and his faith guided the way he lived, served, and loved others.
In recent years, Jim found deep meaning in connecting with fellow veterans and helping them share their stories. He treasured reunions with his fellow Marines, and the bond they shared lasted a lifetime. He was also a lifelong sports fan who loved live games, and he never missed a week of trivia with his team, Ups & Downs.
But his first love was always his family and his wife, Mary, of 47 years. He was endlessly proud of his four children and eight grandchildren. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Mary, Jimmy (Leticia), Caroline Tramonte (Mark), and Elizabeth Uischner (Dan); and his grandchildren, Camille, Daniel, Charlie, Marianna, Andrew, Leila, James, and Alice. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marion, and his brother, Robert.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 6 to 8 o’clock with a Rosary Service at 7:30 at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd., NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. A Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 11 o’clock at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1409 Hearst Dr., NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319. Interment with military honors will follow at Georgia National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School. Online donations can be made through the following link by choosing the Sara Graf Teacher Endowment Fund: https://www.olaschool.org/giving/annual-fund/
If making a gift via check, please send to:
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
Office of Advancement
1320 Hearst Drive
Brookhaven, GA 30319
Or St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School:
https://stcatherineofsienacatholicschool.factsmgtadmin.com/form/Wv2iKtgae?authToken=__token__
