Rev. James Terence Blandford

I never had the honor to meet Father, but he had a profound effect upon my family, especially my Mother.
As the only other priest in the family (extended a bit, but still family) I feel I share a bond with him in ways that only a brother priest can.
As I minister to my Marines and sailors - and Soldiers and Guard too! - here in Iraq, I know that the work that I do is the same great work that Fr. Blandford has done: saving souls, one at a time.

Fr. B. was one of the kindest and sweetest natured people I ever met. I'd like to think that he knows, now, how many people thought so highly of him.

Father Blandford was a first cousin to my mother, Ann Alethia (Head) Krapausky. I always remember when he would visit my grandparents (Adrian and Mary Belle Head) in rural Oregon, IL in the summer time. Often times he would bring other priest friends along, and they could sit and tell jokes just one after the other. He was the most saintly man I ever met. I remember how fast he drove his car. I hope his trip to heaven is just as fast. He was indeed "very good"!

Father Blandford was the most wonderful priest I have ever known. When I was student at St. Dominic Church in Springfield I went on many short trips with Father to other churches. He was such a pleasure to be with, a priest you could talk with, laugh with, and cry with and always feel comfortable. He gave me my Catholic foundation and I will always hold him close in my heart and memories. Thank you Father for all that you did.

Father Blandford was one of the best men I ever knew. He and my father were very close friends and I never heard my father or anyone else have a negative thing to say about him. Anyone who was ever priviledged enough to have come in contact with him would have truly seen a man of God and a model for what we should all be striving to be.

He was a Saint...I have so many precious memories with him ... He always made you feel so blessed after spending time with him. His wit was tremendous. The only thing I would have to say to get a smile on his face is ask him if he needed a "blue" folder instead of a "red" one. Or ask him if he wanted a drink of iced tea. Whenever I made a mistake (which was quite often) he would say, "Oh, I made a mistake about 50 years ago." Or if we lost something in the office, it was "the bad angels...

Father Blandford was one of the greatest people I know. He was truly a man of God. Most humble servant and friend to all. I can still hear him say "Be that as it may" He will truly be missed by all.

Fr. Blandford was my priest at St. Lawrence in Lawrenceburg. A gentle, kind man with a heart of gold. He was the priest of my youth and I'll always remember him. I am truly sad today.

Fr. Blanford was a kind man.Always spoke to you where ever you were.He will be missed in Springfield.