James Otis Blackwell

August 1, 2019

James Otis Blackwell was born August 28, 1942, in McDavid, FL and he passed away July 27, 2019. James graduated from J.M. Tate High School in 1960 and he decided to join the Army. After  basic training, James was sent to Ft. Sam Houston, TX for medic training. While on active duty he worked in military hospitals in the U.S., Korea and Germany. Later, after earning his medic flight wings at Ft. Rucker, AL he was deployed to Vietnam. He served as a combat medic until he was seriously wounded while loading wounded GI’s onto helicopter for evacuation. After a long hospital stay and a brief second tour in Germany, James was medically retired as a Staff Sergeant. James loved everything about the Army and he believed “Once Army, always Army”.

James is preceded in death by his parents, James A. Blackwell and Ella Rhea Foley Blackwell; three brothers, Wyatt Blackwell, Kenneth Blackwell and Michael Blackwell.

He is survived by his brothers, Elton Blackwell, Travis Blackwell and Terry Blackwell (Kathy); sisters, Patricia Scholl and Brenda Hull. James had no children but was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A special thank to Covenant Hospice, especially Lisa and Sunday; you helped him to keep his smile.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2019, at Barrancas National Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at Farm Hill United Methodist Church.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with the arrangements.

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Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries