James Drennon Blackmon

In Loving Memory of James Blackmon

June 27, 1938 – October 3, 2025

James Drennon "Papaw" Blackmon, age 87, of Longview, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

James devoted more than 30 years of his life to Brookshire's Grocery Company, where he served as both store manager and district manager. His leadership, integrity, and dedication made a lasting impact on the company and on the many people who worked alongside him. After retiring, he continued serving his community as the proud owner of Drennon's Furniture Store in Jefferson, Texas, which he operated for about 15 years with care and pride.

James lived a life filled with fun, laughter, and adventure. He was known for his quick wit, his love of teasing and "picking at people," and his constant desire to stay busy-often fretting over things just to make sure they were right. He had an enormous sweet tooth and could rarely resist a treat. He loved ice cream, honey buns, cookies, and really anything sweet he could get his hands on. He often kept candies tucked in his pockets or hidden in his chair "for later," ready to enjoy or to share.

He was always ready to lend a hand, share a joke, or make someone smile. Everyone who ever met him would describe him as one of the nicest, sweetest men they'd ever known-someone instantly loved because he so genuinely loved others.

James married the love of his life, Donna Jean Holcomb, on June 9, 1974, and together they shared more than 50 years of love and laughter. They were inseparable, spending nearly every day together until his last. They loved being surrounded by family and friends and entertained as often as they could. For many years, they made their home, Dogwood Hill, on Lake O' the Pines in Jefferson, Texas, where everyone loved to gather for holidays, cookouts, and outdoor fun. James was spoiled by Donna's wonderful cooking, which he enjoyed immensely, and together they led an adventurous life-traveling all over the United States in their RV. For many years they were proud "Winter Texans," spending their winters at RV parks along the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where they made lifelong friends and lasting memories.

James was a devout member of Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview, where he and Donna found deep fellowship and served their community with joy. In their later years, after selling the RV, they remained just as social and active-meeting regularly with their beloved "lunch bunch" and "coffee club" friends who brought them so much happiness. James also enjoyed volunteering at polling stations in Longview.

An outdoorsman at heart, James loved fishing, hunting, and playing golf. He passed on his love of the outdoors-especially fishing-to his family, who will forever treasure those memories as part of his legacy.

James will be remembered as a kind, gentle, loving, and devoted man with a true servant's heart. The joy, humor, and kindness he brought into the world will never be forgotten, and his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Donna Jean Blackmon; his son, Robin Blackmon, and wife, Joy Morriss; his daughter, Jennie Thompson, and husband, Dale; his stepchildren, Jimmy Campbell and Connie Gadt; his grandchildren, Jamie Blackmon and husband Brad Sturdivant, Tracy Blackmon, and Christopher Blackmon, and wife, Ashley; and his great-granddaughter, Daisy Sturdivant. He is also survived by his nephews, David Blackmon and Donald Blackmon, and wife, Karen; along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends who will cherish the time they had with him.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Blackmon and Josie Singletary Blackmon; his sister, Clara Mills; and his brothers, Melvin Blackmon, Jr. and Claude Blackmon.

A small family service will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at New Prospect Church and Cemetery in Beckville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation in support of James's love for the outdoors. https://www.tpwf.org/

"Well done, good and faithful servant…

Enter into the joy of your Lord."

- Matthew 25:21