James Godfrey Blankenburg

James Godfrey Blankenburg obituary, Palatine, IL

James Godfrey Blankenburg

James Blankenburg Obituary

Visit the Smith-Corcoran Palatine Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.
James Godfrey Blankenburg, 85, of Palatine, IL, was born October 10, 1941, in Decatur, IL, to Karl and Hazel Blankenburg, and passed away on January 20, 2026.

James was an avid and skilled golfer whose love for the game brought him joy. Whether spending quiet mornings on the course in Savannah or celebrating a well played round, golf remained one of his greatest passions throughout his life.

He was the beloved father of Kara (Jeff) Cermak and Amy Jump, and the loving grandfather of Abigail (Anthony) Portanova, Gillian Gould, Mathew, Nicholas, and Michael Jump. James was the former husband of Lillian Blankenburg. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Blankenburg, and his sister, Shirley (Ralph) Folkerts.

James will be remembered for his dry humor and the steady presence he brought to those who knew and loved him.

Services for James will be private.
Smith-Corcoran Palatine Funeral Home

185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, IL 60067

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