WILMINGTON — James Fern ‘Jamie’ Blanton Jr., 51, passed from his earthly life to his heavenly home Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018. Though we selfishly wish we had more time with him, we rejoice in knowing that Jamie is with his heavenly Father, whom he loved with all of his heart.
Jamie was born April 6, 1966, in Wilmington, N.C., the beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. James “Red” Blanton “Beverly” of Wilmington and the late Mrs. Edna Ward Blanton. He was preceded in death by his mother.
Jamie leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Angela; children, Taylor Nicole Blanton, James F. Blanton III (Trae’), Bonnie Mae Swann, Maggie Jo Swann and James Edward Cooper Swann, all of Wilmington; sister, Tammy Green (Robert) of Wilmington; brother, Terry Blanton (Christy-Jo) of Clayton and stepbrother, Roy Strickland (Joeita) of Wilmington; many special nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and extended family; and his Scotts Hill Baptist Church family and too many friends to count.
Jamie loved with all of his heart. His contagious smile and generous spirit brightened the lives of everyone he knew. He was a devoted husband, father, son, son-in-law, brother and friend. Filled with a heart full of joy and a laugh that could fill a room, Jamie welcomed everyone he met into his wide circle of extended family members and friends.
Jamie was an avid fisherman who loved spending time out on the water with his family and best buddies. Although he rarely returned empty handed, for Jamie, it wasn’t about the fish…it was about relationships and spending quality time with those he loved. Jamie also loved sports. He touched the lives of many young people throughout the years as a softball and baseball coach, and when he wasn’t coaching, he was always the loudest cheerleader from the sidelines as his children played on the field.
Jamie taught his children the value of family and togetherness. For Jamie, family was everything and he affectionately nicknamed his full house, “Team Blanton.” Angela, Jamie and their five children have made memories together that will last a lifetime and carry them through the days, months and years without their beloved team captain. He taught them that you have to work hard to play hard. He taught them the value of honesty, integrity, and determination. Most of all, Jamie taught his children to love the Lord. For that, they are the most grateful. Jamie was an example of what a husband and father should be. He was a gift to this world and loved by so many. He will be greatly missed, but his life lessons will live on through his wife and children, whom we know will follow in his footsteps and like Jamie, leave the world a better place than they found it.
Jamie truly leaves a legacy of faith, love and laughter. His family is grateful for all acts of kindness and prayers that have lent them support during this most difficult time in their lives. They thank God, our heavenly Father, for the gift of family and friends and pray His eternal blessings to all.
A celebration of Jamie’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, at Scotts Hill Baptist Church, 185 Scotts Hill Loop Road, Wilmington, with Pastor Phil Ortego and Pastor Jimmie Suggs Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation before the service, beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in Sea Lawn Memorial Park, Hampstead, N.C. The family welcomes any family or friends who would like to fellowship after the service to visit their home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at the home. Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
