James “Jimmy” Blanchard died peacefully in his Mount Gilead, NC home on Sunday afternoon, September 1, 2024. At the age of 85, his big heart finally just gave out. Jimmy is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Ellen Avery Blanchard, and a daughter and son-in-law, Cindy & Brent Brewbaker, that he lived with at Lake Tillery. His son and daughter-in-law, Ricky & Sandy Wade and grandson, Kevin Wade, all live in Erwin, NC. Kevin is not just Jimmy’s only grandchild, but he and Alicia have now taken on guardianship of Jimmy’s beloved dachshund pup, Zack. Jimmy has two surviving sisters & brothers-in-law – Jeannette Raybon, and husband, Shane, from Albemarle, NC and Margaret Jamison, and husband Steve, from Gilbertsville, KY. He is also survived by 5 of his 6 nephews, and 3 nieces.