James Carroll Blanton

James Carroll Blanton, 77, of Statesville passed away Saturday, February 22, 2020 at his residence under the care of Hospice.

Born December 29, 1942 in Modesto CA., he was the son of the late Leslie “Vernon” Blanton and Edith Brettlinger Summers. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved to fish, watch boxing, play cards especially Texas Holdem and Dominos (42).  Was a veteran of the National Guard Army Reserves for 8 years, worked in the redwood timber mills, was a owner of his own small grocery store and later became a contract driver for Mayflower then retried from McCollisters United Van Lines. James was very much admired was a strong hard-working man that his family are all very proud of.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 5 brothers: Vernon “Sonny” Blanton, Kenneth Blanton and 3 as infants; 2 sisters: Wilma Pauley and Betty Lou McKinley.

James is survived by his wife, Frances Wilson Blanton; daughter, Rochelle Carol Blanton Kosak and husband Steve of Statesville, NC; a son, Greg Blanton of Modesto, CA; daughter, Cindy Blanton Dunn and husband Taylor of Bath, ME; a brother, Charles Lambert of Modesto CA; a sister, Sandra Lambert Rogers of Rancho Cordova, CA; 4 grandchildren: Alisha, Nathaniel, Stephanie and Zachery Laverty of Statesville, NC; and 3 great grandchildren; also a step-daughter of Frances, Christi Faulk and husband Rick and their children, Sarrah, Jessie and Racheal of Turlock, CA and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Christ Boulevard Methodist Church, 1947 E. Broad St, Statesville, NC . followed by lunch served at the church.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM in Oakwood Cemetery of Statesville.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28675.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family, on-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.