Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

McLean Funeral Directors - Gastonia

700 South New Hope Road

Gastonia, North Carolina

James Blackwelder Obituary

LOWELL - James E. Blackwelder Jr., 56, entered the gates of Heaven July 20, 2010. James "Jimmy" was surrounded by the love of his life Bertha, his wife of 35 years and his three sons, whom he loved dearly.

Jimmy was born June 7, 1954, a son of the late James and Barbara Bunn Blackwelder. He was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law Johnnie Owens, and brother-in-law Roy Massey.

In addition to his wife Bertha, Jimmy is survived by three sons, Jimmy III and Jacob of the home and Connor and wife Tina of Dallas, NC. The three boys truly loved their "POPS". He is also survived by his sisters Ann Massey, and Julie Thornton (Ivey), and brothers David Blackwelder (Marcia) and Bobby Blackwelder all of Charlotte. Jimmy is also survived by a very close sister and brother-in-law Jackie and Gary Morgan. After Jimmy's illness kept him from doing day to day tasks, Jackie and Gary's constant presence was a blessing to both Jimmy and Bertha. He is also survived by sister-in-law Sherry Mull (Walt) of York, SC and brother-in-law Tom Owens (Katrina) of Charlotte. In addition he is survived by a host of nieces and nephews whom loved their Uncle Jimmy.

Jimmy's favorite pastimes were spending time with his family telling old family stories and cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Jimmy proudly served his country in the United States Army; however, his service to the Lord was his greatest passion. Even though he was hospitalized for the last 7 months, his Bible remained within reaching distance and as his eyesight declined you would find Bertha reading it to him. He was a Charter member of Beulah Land Baptist Church in Bessemer City, NC.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the church family for their prayers and continuous support of Jimmy and his family.

A funeral service will be held 3:00 PM, Saturday, July 24, 2010, at Beulah Land Baptist Church, Bessemer City. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, Saturday, prior to the service. Interment will follow in Hollywood Cemetery in Gastonia.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in memory of Jimmy to: Beulah Land Baptist Church, 616 Athenia Place, Bessemer City, NC 28016-2806.

Condolence messages may be sent online to www.McLeanFuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. Blackwelder.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gaston Gazette on Jul. 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Blackwelder

Not sure what to say?





Robin Lamb

July 17, 2021

Although we were not blood related, Jimmy was my brother. Jimmy was always there when I needed him. He was the best man at my wedding and was actually the one that instigated my current relationship with my wife. The only ones that truly know how much I miss him is God and my wife, Cheryl. I would give anything just to be able to spend 1 more hour talking to him. I know that one day we will be together again. Jimmy I miss you every day and think of you often. Love you, Big Guy.

Robin Lamb

July 17, 2020

I will always remember Jim Blackwelder as my friend and brother. Although we were not blood relations, Jimmy was closer to me than any of my family. His passing was way to soon, but it was God's desire to bring him home. I miss our time together and the long conversations we had about life and things we were looking forward to accomplishing. I still long to call and talk to with him and think of him often. Jimmy, hopefully one day we will be together again. Miss you "Big Guy".

Tammy Rogers

July 26, 2010

Bertha, I am so sorry for your great loss. I know that God will be your comfort through this. Treasure your memories until you meet again. Know that I am here for you.

Terry McGinnis

July 25, 2010

Dear Bertha, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.Jimmy was one of the greatest friends anyone could ever have.Sorry I wasn't there for the service,I just found out. My prayers go out to you and all the family. It's sad that with the daily grind of work,family,and life's unexpected challenges, that we don't have time to call and talk to each other.Everytime I go to visit my parents,and I go outside I think about Jimmy and all the great freinds and fun times we had. I will never forget Jimmy.

Shawn & Kathy Long

July 24, 2010

Connor, Tina and Family, I am sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know he meant a lot to you all. We have been praying for him for a long time. We know he isn't suffering anymore, but the loss is tremendous. Just remember he is only gone for a little while because one day you will see him again in Heaven. Please make sure you are ready to meet him by asking Jesus in your heart if you haven't already. Gather around each other and remember all the good times, and keep his memory alive. We love ya'll and will continue praying for you. Tina text me if ya'll need anything or just to talk.

shirley James

July 23, 2010

Bertha we are so sorry for your loss God will bring you thru this, we know Jimmy will be missed so much,but he will be waiting for you in Heaven. if you need us just call. love and prayers your sisters at work.Shirley,Ruthie and Becky.

Smiley & Andi Miller

July 23, 2010

Smiley and I are so sorry to hear about Jimmy. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. If you need anything at all please call us or just cross the street to our house and we will do anything we can to help. Jimmy was a devout Christian so you know that he is in Heaven with the Lord he loved so much!

July 23, 2010

Bertha, and the boys, we are so sorry for your loss. But there is one thing we know, we know where he is and WHO he is with and one day we will see him again. At least he's not suffering anymore. I'm sure you are going to miss him dearly. GOD'S GRACE IS SUFFIECIENT FOR ALL OUR NEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE ARE SUFFERING FROM THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE. Just lean on HIM. HE never leaves us. HE promised and HE never breaks a promise. We love you guys and will be praying for you all in Bequia.

Robin Lamb

July 23, 2010

Bertha, it is with the greatest heartfelt sympathy that we write you to express our sorrow of the passing of Jimmy.

For many years, as we were growing up, attending school, playing football and on the wrestling team Jimmy was closer to me than a brother. My proudest moment was when he agreed to be the best man at my wedding. Jimmy was instrumental in bringing Cheryl and me together over 35 years ago. We will always cherrish the memories of the times we spent together.

Jimmy will be missed by all, but we know he is in a better place now. I am sure he is having a long awaited homecoming with his Lord and Savior and mom and dad. Oh the conversations they will have at this meeting.

Although he is no longer with you and the boys physically, Jimmy will always be there in your hearts, as he will be in mine.

With our deepest sympathy and love to you and the entire family.

Robin and Cheryl Lamb

Phil Seaman

July 23, 2010

I was sad to read of Jimmy's passing this morning in the paper. I grew up with Jimmy in southwest Charlotte. We were in Boy Scouts,& ROTC together and graduated from Olympic High School in 1973. A short time after when Jimmy was in the Army he was home on leave and some of us got together to play a pickup game of football at Smith Jr. High, I was covering Jimmy in the end zone and he caught a pass for a touchdown, as I was going to block the pass our legs got tangled up and I broke Jimmy's leg. He was so worried about how to report back for duty with a broken leg. Jimmy was a good friend, with a big heart that looked out for me and had my back for many years. I looked up to him and was greatful for all that he did for me growing up. Rest in Peace and in Christ Jimmy.

Ronnie & Judy Pope

July 23, 2010

Bertha we are truly sorry for your loss, just lean unto the Lord as he will see you through this very special time of need. He will surely give you that peace that passes all understanding that only he can give and flood you with his sustaining grace. What a Father we have! I remember all of us going to church together back in the day and what good times we all had and those days and many more like them will truly be missed but just remember my precious friend eternity will last forever. The Lord was so good and faithful to you, Jimmy and the boys but likewise yall were as equally as faithful to him and for that your reward awaits you. But just know that on July 20th when Jimmy left that sick old fleshly body and crossed over into Jordan-Jesus was there to meet him and said enter in my faithful child, job well done. That, even at a time like this is worth rejoicing over and the consoling part to that is that you'll be with him again one day after a while. He will truly be missed just the same!
To the boys,and all of Jimmy's sibilings, my heart goes out to all of you as well, for I have lost a father and a brother and I can truly say I know exactly how you feel. Just as I said to Bertha lean unto the Lord and "He" will see you through.
We have known and Loved the Blackwelder family for a very long time and our hearts and prayers are with you all. With deepest sympathy and much love! Ronnie and Judy Pope

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in James Blackwelder's name

Memorial Events
for James Blackwelder

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

McLean Funeral Directors - Gastonia

700 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054

How to support James's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James Blackwelder's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more