James Harden 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.