John Ashley Blackburn

I remember Jack as a very fair and kind person to work with to all of his staff. He made working at Madison Hall and later Peabody Hall a pleasant experience. I was very sad when I heard of his passing. Rest in Peace, Jack.

For the Blackburn family:
My deepest sympathy for your loss - I have known Jack since I first began working as a school counselor at Charlottesville High School and have always admired his integrity, warmth, and dedication to students. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and work with him.

Dearest Betty - Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Martha sent us word this morning of Jack's death. I just don't have any words that will make things better but I'll always remember the quiet man trying to stay out of the way of eight chattering women! My heart is so full right now that it's hard to find words of comfort to you. But know that you are missed and in my prayers - always.

Our love to you and the children,
Bud and Billie Hogan

Mrs. Blackburn and family-
My heart is sad to learn of Dean Blackburn's passing. He was an amazing man, filled with integrity, dedication and a great love for UVa and her students. He will be truly missed.

Dear Blackburn Family,

The UVaClub of Richmond wishes to extend our most sincere condolences to you all. Mr. Blackburn was a true friend to The University and to our Club. We share in your sorrow during this difficult time.

Dear Betty:

I first met Jack during my years as Director of College Counseling at Cairo American College in Egypt. Then, during my brief stint as Director of College Counseling at Woodberry Forest School, I had the distinct pleasure of being close enough for regular interaction with him. What an incredible human being he was!

Jack cast a tall, tall shadow, indeed. We were all better for having known him and worked with him and he will be greatly missed.

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Sincerely,

Phil Clinton, Superintendent
Khartoum American School
Sudan

Dear Betty,
Libba and I learned of Jack passing from our daughter in Charlottesville. I knew Jack well and know that his presence will be missed by all who knew him or had an opportunity to work with him at the University. You and all of your family are in our prayers.
Very sincerely, Bill and Libba Dudley

Dear Betty,
I am so sorry for your loss. I never met Jack but have only heard wonderful things about him. Seeing you two at church a couple of weeks ago enables me to put a handsome face with his loved and respected name. Hopefully the wonderful memories that you shared will bring back that sparkle in your eyes and a smile upon your face. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
peace and love~
Lynn Smith

Dear Betty,
My love to you and your family at this sad time. You are special to me.

As I sit here in SC thinking of those attending the memorial service for Jack, it is with joy mixed with sadness that I remember the "good times" in the Admissions office at MBC from 1968 - 1970. Jack was my mentor and friend--the one who encouraged me to go to Indiana U. to further my education in College Student Personnel. My memories also include babysitting for Heidi and John. What a special family then and now! May God bless you and give you peace. Love, Kathy

Dear Betty and Family, We learned of Jack's passing through Jane and Sam. What a wonderful man, father, husband and friend he was to so many. How blessed we all are to have known and loved him. Peace to all of you.

Betty & Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Jack's demise. Being a part of Jack's front-desk staff at the Admission Office for five years was a wonderful work experience for me. Jack was always kind and easy to talk to, a very gracious man. I know that he will certainly be missed by many. My prayers are with you all. Betty, I pray that you will be comforted.

Dear Heidi-

I am so very sorry to hear of your fathers passing, he was a remarkable man. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Sincerely,
Valerie Hughes

Betty, Diane joins me in extending our deep sympathy at Jack's passing. We are away and cannot attend the service on Saturday but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Betty, John, and Heidi,
I am sad to hear about your loss of Jack - a very respectful and respectable man who will be missed by many. You are often in my thoughts and I grieve with you. I'm also sorry I missed the opportunity to tell him directly how much I looked up to him. In loving memory - Greg

Dear Betty, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jack was such a fine person. I so remember growing up with you in Mt. Washington, our times at Elderslie Methodist Church, being in your wedding, etc. Take care. Would love to have you visit when thing settle down. Love Phyllis and OJ too!

Betty, we are out of town and unable to attend the service for John but wanted you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.

Betty
We are so sorry for your loss of Jack.He was very helpful to our son Timothy for admisson to Uva. and our daughter so enjoyed the art classes that you taught her at a very young age. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

As a UVA alumnus and long time resident of Charlottesville, my deepest sympathies.

Sue Hughes

Dear Betty, Heidi, and John,
Andrew called me from Hong Kong to share the sad news about Jack. He was a positive role model for so many young people. My own son will always remember how Jack made him feel special. Please know that you and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love and sympathy,
Jane

Dear Mrs. Blackburn, I am deeply saddened by the loss of this gracious gentleman with the wonderful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Dear Betty, You know that I have always held you and Jack with the highest regard. Just out of Mary Baldwin and living among all those great (and may I add "full of character") Stauntonians, I very fondly remember those days - it was such a wonderful time for a young person to enter the working world, especially with you and Jack there to offer guidance and give counsel when it was needed. Jack was a wonderful person to work with - my first boss - and I hold dear the lessons he instilled in us all - to listen, to learn and to serve others - in our admissions work and in our daily life. Always a quiet gentleman, Jack was quick to see the humor of a situation and generous with his smiles and laughter. He was good soul with a kind spirit, and I am very fortunate to have had a bit of my life graced with the company of such a dear man. My love to you, Heidi, John and the kids. Mimi Burke

Dean Blackburn was an excellent administrator and warm person. He will be missed by so many.

All my love and sympathy to Betty, Heidi, John and families

Betty, Jack was a true inspiration to all of us who knew him. He taught me to face life's challenges with grace and diginity. He will truly be missed. May God bless you and the family during this difficult time

I am Jeff Brown, I worked with my Father Herb Brown. "Jack" and Betty were always happy, never out of sorts. They were a pleasure to talk to. I sold them both a couple of Volvo's and as it seemed to always happen they were not just customers they both became friends. Betty i do know what you are going through as my Dad passed away with the mean Cancer. I gave your Son-Inlaw my card if i can help you in anyway call me. May God you peace, and i will be Praying for you and your Family.