Thomas James Blackburn

Thomas James Blackburn went to be with his Heavenly Father on September 2, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at home. He was born on August 24, 1924, to parents Clark and Ruth Blackburn in Conehatta, Mississippi.

Our beloved dad grew up in the piney woods and red dirt roads of Mississippi with his three brothers and one sister. All attended school and the First Methodist Church there. After graduation he joined the US Army. He married the love of his life, Inez Crane, on a rainy May 1, 1949. A big move to Texas in 1955 with baby Cynthia was the start of family and new jobs with LTV Aerospace in Grand Prairie, Texas. Daughter Terri was born in 1961 and son Tommy in 1963. Dad enjoyed wonderful neighbors and weekends filled with great family fun. Twice a year the family journeyed ‘back home’ to Mississippi.

Often referred to as “Mr. Fix It,” James was a self-taught man who could spend hours tinkering with tools to build, invent, or repair almost anything! Family members and neighbors discovered quickly that he was the one to turn to for help or advice. Inez and James were a force to beat at 42 Dominoes and Bridge, as well as dancing and fishing. His retirement brought about new lake and outdoor activities. He could devour a bucket of shrimp or crappie like nobody’s business. Dad loved to read about current events and government, and he never missed jury duty or his chance to vote. He was a devoted husband of 73 years and a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who taught his family to “work hard and always do the right thing!” He also never met a dog who didn’t love him at first sight, whether it belonged to him or not!

Our precious father leaves us a legacy of love, family, and faith to cherish forever. He knew Jesus from a young age and would cling to that faith throughout his heroic medical battles and other challenges in life. Our dad had the best grin and laugh!

Thomas James Blackburn is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Inez; parents, Clark and Ruth Blackburn; brothers, Weber Blackburn and wife, Bettye, Charles Blackburn and wife, Sue, Melvin Blackburn, and sister, Angelyn Horton and husband, Fred; and 11 loved family members of the Crane family.

Papa James is survived by his children, Cynthia Fitzgibbon and husband, Craig, Terri Sanford and husband, Cecil, and Tom Blackburn Jr. and wife, Angela; grandchildren, Brent Fitzgibbon and wife, Logan, Traci Batson and husband, Mike, Chad Sanford and wife, Che’, James Blackburn III, Christy Schrimpf and husband, Aaron, Kelsey DiTommaso and husband, Victor, Josh Blackburn and wife, Hanna and Aimee Layne; great-grandchildren, Kyle, Collin, Evelyn, Vincent, Quinn, Conner, Ellie, Skylar, Lincoln, Andrew, and Ryker; extended family of beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

A visitation for Thomas will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home Beltline Road, 2951 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, following the visitation. A committal service will occur Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.

In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the National Cancer Society at : https://www.cancer.org/