of Melbourne, AR
October 19, 1927 - August 9, 2013
James Newt Blankenship, 85, of Melbourne, Arkansas died Friday, August 9, 2013.
He was born in Forty-Four, Arkansas on October 19, 1927 to Loren Smith and Althea Clementine Rodman Blankenship. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was honorably discharged after being wounded in battle. After his army service he returned to Izard County and wed Nina Jean Blair on January 30, 1953. He graduated from Arkansas College in Batesville, Arkansas in 1956 with a Bachelor's of Arts degree and was an educator for the majority of his career. He was Izard County's first County School Supervisor, a position he held until his retirement.
He was an avid golfer and loved to hunt quail with his lifelong friends. He was a member of Melbourne United Methodist Church and was active in the church as well as other civic work.
He is survived by his son, James Blair Blankenship and his wife Rachel of Fayetteville; three grandchildren: Blair, Holden, and Griffin Blankenship; four brothers: Paul, Wayne, Dean, and Carl Blankenship; one sister, June Willsie; along with many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 60 years, Nina Blair Blankenship; an infant son; an infant daughter, Nina Jo Blankenship; and five brothers; Fred, Rosco, Hugh, Guy, and Kay.
Memorial services will be held at 10 A.M. on Saturday August 17, 2013 at Roller-Crouch Chapel in Melbourne with graveside service to follow at Melbourne Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) in his honor.
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10 Condolence(s)
connie wheeler
Friday, September 13, 2013
so sorry for your loss
connie and steve wheeler
Leetha Wren
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Just add my name to all those keeping you and yours in thought and prayer. I lost my dad this year too and know it's tough even when it's also a blessing. Last time I saw your folks was at wal-mart in B'ville where they were walking for exercise. They seemed so happy to see me an alum of MHS. Your mom taught me and tons more how to type, a skill that has proved useful ever since and for which I am forever grateful. And your dad was always a true example of a gentleman. Melbourne schools were so lucky to have them. Peace be with you all.
Leetha Wren
Barbara Cooper
Friday, August 16, 2013
James B. I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a wonderful man. I know he and Ms. B are having a grand time together in heaven right now. I left Melbourne a long long time ago but I never forgot the two of them and it always made me smile to see them side by side when I would come home for a visit and run into them in town. May God grant you and your family comfort and peace during this time.
Sheilla Linn Wammack
Friday, August 16, 2013
B, I am so sorry for your loss so close together. Newt and Jean were a great pair. Love, Aheilla
rebecca ramick
Friday, August 16, 2013
The world was a much better place for having had Jean and Newt in it. They were loving, kind, giving. Their devotion to their beloved grandchildren will be a memory shared by many. They were SO loved. They will be SO missed. But they are together again.
melody rush killebrew
Thursday, August 15, 2013
i'm so sorry to learn of Newt's passing. I have such fond memories of both Jean and Newt and the fun we had bowling as a team in the mixed doubles at Batesville in the 70's. I think of them both often. I will keep your family in my prayers. Bee, you were always their pride and joy. How blessed you have been to have had such great parents.
Angel Tatum Craddock
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Newt and Jean will be in my heart forever. They both had a great impact on me in high school and I'll never forget them.
Connie Vaughn Barnett
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
So sorry for the loss of Newt. He and Jean were the highlight of my life when I went to the Methodist Church as a younster. They both would entertain me during services to keep me from getting into trouble. And again at school, it was a pleasure to see Newt. Always with a big smile and a friendly greeting. He was a very nice man and he and Jean were an awesome couple. Together forever. God Bless the son and his family.
Paula Roddy
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
so sorry for your loss- Newt&Jean both were so well loved in the community&will be missed greatly
Sincerely,Vernon&Paula Roddy
Shirley Jones Grimes
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Sorry to hear about Newt`s passing. Remember him well when I was going to school and also at the L&M café.