James Asher Blankenship

James Asher Blankenship, age 80, of Columbus, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 12, 2024. He was born June 9, 1944 to the late Nadine Blankenship King Freeman at the home of his grandparents, the late Enos and Dorthas Dorothy Kennedy Blankenship in Iaeger, West Virginia.

He was adopted at a young age by his grandparents whom he called Mom and Dad. He attended Iaeger schools and was raised in the Pentecostal faith. Although, he was blind and hearing impaired, he loved attending church, singing Gospel songs, and playing his harmonica.

He also loved fishing, country music, and listening to a game played by his favorite local baseball team. As a young teenager he could roller skate like no one else at the roller rink located near his grandparents/adopted parents home. He had an infectious personality and loved making people laugh by telling his funny little jokes. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

In addition to his grandparents/adopted parents and his mother, predeceasing him are: sister, Patty Rose King Thompson; aunts/adopted sisters, Maxie May B. Lockhart and Peggy Sue B. Swetnam; uncles/adopted brothers, Estel Milburn, Elmer Edward, Rev. Walter Lloyd, Theodore, Rev. Jesse Jennings, Franklin Roosevelt, Carroll Wetzel, and infant Richard Junior, all Blankenships and half-brother, Benjamin Freeman.

Surviving are: aunt/adopted sister with whom he lived for 25 years, Ila Kate B. Berry McGuinness and her family; Hertford, NC, sister-in-law and care-giver, Mrs. Walter L. (Rev. Lois Jean Ferrell) Blankenship; Columbus, OH, brother-in-law, Arnold Thompson, and nephews and families, Marvin and Joshua Thompson; all of Lerona, WV, and nine half-brothers and half-sisters and their families living in Mississippi and many other relatives and friends in WV, NC, OH, and other states.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 12pm-1pm with a Funeral Service following starting at 1pm at Newcomer SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123. Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Columbus, Ohio where he will be laid to rest near his brother, Walter Lloyd.

The family would like to thank all doctors, nurses, and others who have provided him medical care in WV, NC, and OH. Thanks to all who have loved him throughout his life. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.