Blackwell, James 'Jim' Paul

James “Jim” Paul Blackwell, 76, of Concord, N.C., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011, at his home. A memorial service will be held 5 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Wilkinson Funeral Home Chapel in Concord, N.C. The family will receive friends at the funeral home before the service from 2 to 5 p.m.

Jim was born Oct. 2, 1934, in Lee Center, Ill., to the late Paul R. Blackwell and E. Marjorie (Havens) Blackwell. He was retired from and part owner of Telecom USA Publishing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and previously worked in the yellow pages publishing business.

Jim enjoyed fishing until he retired on the lake and never fished because he could do it tomorrow. He enjoyed sports, especially Alabama football, having all three children and one grandchild graduated from the University of Alabama, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball, a Blackwell family tradition. He loved his family and his dogs.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lisa Jackson Blackwell; three children, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a brother. His son, Scott A. Blackwell, Scott's wife, Sandy, and daughter, Sarah, live in Houston, Texas. His daughter, Susan B. Herron, Susan's husband, Danny, children, Mary H. Dadej and Rob, and granddaughter, Sophie Dadej, live in Nashville, Tenn. Jim's other daughter, Leslie B. Lynd, her husband, Ron, and children, Sam, Caroline and Cullen, live in Memphis, Tenn. His brother, Phillip R. Blackwell lives in Loveland, Colo.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

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Wilkinson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.