James Harden Blankenship

james blankenship

James Harden Blankenship, 74, of Fairview, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on September 29, 2025.

Jim graduated from Owen High School in 1969. After graduating, he worked as a diesel mechanic for CAT then as a Machine Maintenance Technician for Reliance Electric, retiring in 2013. He was a devoted member of Grace Baptist Church in West Asheville. He was passionate about woodwork and leather work, an avid blacksmith, an active member of IH Chapter 43 Tractor Club, and an enthusiastic fan of Alabama (Roll Tide).

Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Paula; his children, Wilson (Pam) and Jamie; his five grandchildren, Hannah (Jeremy), Jessica, Ben, Matthew, and Ashelyn; three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Lucas, and Adalyn; and his siblings, Judy, MaryAnn, and David (Pat), along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Louise Whitaker Blankenship.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 3, at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Road, Asheville, with graveside immediately following at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Grace Baptist Church Benevolence Fund.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.

Services

Funeral Service: October 3, 2025 2:30 pm

Grace Baptist Church
718 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806


Burial: October 3, 2025 3:30 pm

Ashelawn Gardens of Memory
901 Aiken Road
Asheville, NC 28804

(828)645-6915

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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  1. Paula and family. We are so sorry to hear this news. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

  2. Paula , Wilson, Jamie and family. We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing . Much love and many prayers coming your way.
    Jim and Lynn.

  3. Paula, Jamie, Wilson and family, Jim will be missed! He was so kind to my mother and father, me and so many other people!!

    I will pray for the family during this time of sorrow!!

  4. Jim is a great man. Very talented and He Loved Jesus and his family. He will be missed by all that know him . We will see him again in Heaven.

  5. Blessed to have known, and for our paths of life to cross for the breath of time, I’m grateful to be loved by and cared about by Jim.
    Paula, Wilson, Jaime and Family my thoughts and many prayers are with you, asking our Savior to comfort and give peace during these days of heart break.
    It’s beautiful and fun to think about Jim laughing in Heaven with Jesus and his parents, we have so much to look forward to. I love each of you. Jennifer

  6. Very sad to hear of Big Jim’s passing. We were great friends, coworkers and fishing partners for many years. My condolences to the family, Jim will surely be missed all…

  7. I am so saddened to read of Jim’s passing. My memories of being at Grace with you are precious!
    Blessings to you all! Love, Cindy

  8. Paula, I am so sorry about Jim’s passing. I just found out. Please know, I’ll be lifting you all in my prayers. I love you all.
    Cindy

  9. Paula, I just heard about Jim’s passing. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May God grant you comfort and peace. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, rest in peace. Amen

  10. Paula, Wilson and Jamie, I am so very sorry about Jim. I will be praying for you all in the days ahead.

    Thinking of you,

    Beth W Grooms


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