James Marion Blessinger

1928 - 2025

James (Jim) Marion Blessinger peacefully passed away on March 9, 2025 in Blackfoot, ID. He was born on November 15, 1928 in Emmett, ID, to Ralph and Linnie Rhodes Blessinger. He was a long-time resident and business owner of Blackfoot.

Jim grew up on the family ranch in the Little Lost River Valley near Howe, ID. His upbringing gave him a treasure chest full of experiences and stories that he happily shared with family and friends

He attended a one room schoolhouse north of the ranch, which often consisted of a bareback horse ride with his older brother, Clyde, and younger sister, Virginia. Many adventures were had on their way back and forth to school. When Jim reached high school age, he need to move to Blackfoot where he sought out room and board . He stayed with the Morrell's, Neff's, Cannon's, and Robertson's. This was not an easy transition for him, a boy from a ranch and now in the big city.

Jim graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1947 . In 1949 he married his high school sweetheart, Joan Mansor. They will have been married 76 years next month. Shortly after they were married, they opened Blessinger Grocery in Firth, ID. He, also, was voted the town's mayor, at 23 years old he was the youngest mayor in Idaho. It is during this time Jim and Joan started a family, welcoming their daughter, Kathy.

With encouragement from his older brother, Clyde, Jim left Firth and moved back to Blackfoot and started working for Goodwin Construction on the new I-15 overpasses project. With the guidance of superintendent, Howard Clark, and Jim's work ethic, he became a well-respected employee. In 1963 when the project came to an end, he was required to spend extended periods of time away from home, he then decided to start his own construction company, Blessinger Construction. With just a few hundred dollars in his pocket, a pickup truck and determination and know how a dream was born. It became a well-established and greatly respected company. He directed the building of over 100 bridges, water tanks, and numerous various structures in Southeastern Idaho including the Eastern Idaho State Fair tunnel. He took great pride in all he did and never cut corners, he took pride in being an honest and ethical businessman.

Jim was known for working hard but he, also, enjoyed many things. He was an active member of the Elk's Club Lodge 1416 where he was awarded Elk of the Year. He spent many evenings playing cards, bowling, volunteering, and reminiscing with friends from the Club.

Jim served as a Blackfoot city councilman for 4 years and was asked to run for mayor, but he stated that he needed to focus on his business and had fulfilled his civil duty.

Jim was a longtime member of Jason Lee Memorial Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and was instrumental in overseeing the remodel of the beautiful church sanctuary.

Jim and Joan spent many years in Heise Hot Springs in Ririe where they parked their travel trailer for the summer months. Here they made many friends from throughout Southeastern Idaho and Wyoming. They traveled to Arizona in the winter months to meet up with their Blackfoot friends. They enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world including Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, New York, and the New England States in the fall.

Jim enjoyed elk hunting, fishing at the Blackfoot Reservoir, and most of all, loved to be part of the Blessinger Family Reunion held every 4th of July in Sawmill Canyon honoring his parents.

After retirement, Jim became a regular of the Martha's coffee crowd. He thoroughly enjoyed setting and visiting with all his friends. He would state "we were not gossiping" it was a constructive effort by all to solve the world's problems". In retirement Jim now had time to be more involved with family and enjoyed time with his great-grandkids, teasing and teaching them how to play cards. This was an indication of the soft side of Jim as he was dearly loved by his grandkids and great-grandkids.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Joan Mansor Blessinger; his daughters Kathy (Larry) Eisenbarth, Diane (Griff) Colson; and his son, Steve (Oleva) Blessinger; his grandchildren: Jenny (Geoff) Burghardt, Nikki (Chase) Adams, Carrie (Seth) Cole, Cleve (Brooke) Colson, Cole (Neasha) Colson, Erica (Kody Kautz) Blessinger, Maresa (Greg) Stalling, and Calen (Cortney) Blessinger; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Linnie, his brother, Clyde, and his sisters, Virginia and Deloris.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2025 at Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church under direction of Hawker Funeral Home. The family will meet with friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in the Grove City Cemetery.