John Goodman Blanche III

John G. Blanche III, 80, passed away on September 6, 2011.

John started life in San Diego, CA, on December 13, 1930, as the eldest son of a naval officer. Formative years were spent in the Orient and at naval installations on both the East and West coasts. After his father retired from the Navy, the family settled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he earned a BS degree from Louisiana State University and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

His distinguished thirty-year military career included service in Germany, Korea, India and Vietnam where he commanded an artillery battalion. Additionally, he had several assignments at the Pentagon where he worked in the office of The Director of the Army Budget, The Army Operations Center and in The Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve. Along the way, he obtained a Masters Degree from Central Michigan University. He was a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the Honeywell Institute.

Among his military awards and decorations are the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Medals, two awards of the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.

After his retirement from the Army in May 1981, he served as Executive Director of the Federal Bar Association until his retirement in February 1997.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara, a son John and his wife Gigi of Fullerton, CA, three daughters: Paula of Hallandale Beach, FL; Ruth of Mt. Airy, MD; and Carol of Fairfax, VA. There are also nine grandchildren: Amy, Erin, Taylor W., Abby, Nolan, Emily, Kendall, Taylor B. and Matt, and four great grandchildren: Mackenzie, Ayden, Dylan and Gavin. He is also survived by two brothers Robert from Baton Rouge, LA and James from Hazel Green, AL, and an imaginary friend, Boudreaux, about whom he told many stories.

A memorial mass will be said at the Church of the Nativity at 6398 Nativity Lane, Burke, VA 22015, at 1 pm on September 9th. Internment with military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be later announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Nativity at the above address.