ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. 

Obituary for: BLACKWELL, JAMES C., SR.

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, La.

Died Monday Sep 27, 2010

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BLACKWELL, JAMES C., SR.
(May 4, 1917 - September 27, 2010)

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James C. Blackwell, Sr. passed away on Monday, September 27, 2010.

He was 93. Born in Folsom, Louisiana on May 4, 1917, he grew up on his parents' 
(Norman M. and Lilly Wascom Blackwell) small farm along with his six older 
brothers (Willie, Hezzie, Neal, Otto, Morgan and Woodrow "Chink") and two 
sisters (Mae Dawsey and Katie Raiford). 

At a very early age, James acquired the nickname of "Preacher" and most people 
knew him by this name. When "Preacher" first attended Lyon High School in 
Covington, it was quickly evident that he was a natural athlete and he became a 
member of the football, basketball, and track teams. By the time he graduated 
from Lyon High, his reputation as a football player and trackman had landed him 
All-State honors and an athletic scholarship to L.S.U. 

Wanting to play football immediately, James transferred to Southeastern 
Louisiana Junior College (now Southeastern Louisiana University) where he played 
halfback. He then transferred to Northeast Louisiana Junior College (Louisiana- 
Monroe ) to continue his football career. After a year at Monroe, "Preacher" 
made the decision to once again transfer schools and enrolled at East Texas 
State University (Texas A&M - Commerce). He finished his college playing career 
at this Texas school as a star halfback and punter on the football team and a 
champion trackman. 

After graduating from Eat Texas in 1940, James was drafted into the United 
States Army and sent to Lawson General Army Hospital in Chamblee, Georgia for 
training and assignment. He was being trained as an X-Ray technician at Walter 
Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. when Pearl Harbor was attacked on Dec. 7, 
1941. In the Army "Blackie" as he was now known continued is love of athletics, 
playing baseball and basketball on the Army's competitive "camp" teams. 

After his discharge from the Army following the end of WWII, "Blackie" remained 
in Georgia and began his business career. Using the benefits provided by his 
Veteran status, he successfully completed the requirements for a Law Degree 
while holding down a full time job and raising a family. 

He then went to work for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, holding several 
management positions over his 32 year career. James retired in 1982. 

He is survived by his daughter, Joan B. Jones (Don) and son James C. ,Jr. 
(Judy), four grandchildren (Missy Jones Hudgins, Chuck Jones, Jennifer Blackwell 
Poulton, Justin Blackwell), six great gandchildren (Rachel, James Reis "JR" and 
Annabelle Hudgins, Shelby and Dalton Jones and Finley Poulton) and many other 
relatives and friends. 

He will be missed by us all. He was a true gentleman, loved and respected for 
his devotion to his family.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the graveside service 
at Blackwell Cemetery off of Hwy 40 in Folsom, LA on October 1, 2010 at 11:00 
AM.

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