Jimmie Blankenship

Jimmie Blankenship, age 81 years, a resident of rural Golconda, Illinois, passed away Tuesday morning, September 3, 2019, at 7:31 AM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Jim was born March 24, 1938 in Carrsville, Kentucky. He was the son of Luther Larkin Blankenship and Flora (Woods) Blankenship. On June 14, 1964, Jim was united in marriage to Patsy Reed at the Dixon Springs Baptist Church. She survives. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by: his sons – Ed Blankenship and Terry (Laura) Blankenship all of Golconda; Grandsons – Caleb of Glasgow, Kentucky, and Carter and Cale both of Golconda; a great granddaughter – Darcy Rae of Glasgow, Kentucky; a sister – Edna Reed of Golconda; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law – Sharon (Jonah) Butler of Harrisburg, Clyde (Judy) Mott, Jr. of Simpson, Donna Souders of Brookport, Bobby (Carolyn) Reed of Carbondale, Lonnie (Carla) Reed of Harrisburg, and Ronnie (Vickie) Reed of Simpson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by 2 sisters – Louise Turner and Mary Blankenship; a step-brother – Harmon Wayland; a sister-in-law – Bonnie Mott; 3 brothers-in-law – Clarence Reed, Gene Reed, and Pat Souders; and 2 nephews – Jim Ozee and Tom Schnake. Jim was a 1957 graduate of Pope County Community High School. He entered military service in 1961 in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1963 from active duty and continued his reserve duty until 1967. Jim was employed in the service department of Ben Anderson Chevrolet in Golconda. He later worked in the delivery department of the Good Luck Glove Factory in Metropolis and for many years was the deliveryman for Robbs Lumber Company, prior to his retirement. Jim loved woodworking, raising rabbits, camping and spending time with his family. A service honoring the life of Jim Blankenship will be conducted Saturday morning, September 7, 2019, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Jerry Parr will officiate. Burial will follow in the Glendale Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 of Vienna and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be held Friday evening, September 6, 2019, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 www.st.jude.org

Jimmie Blankenship

March 24, 1938 - September 3, 2019