James Mark Blackburn

Born June 12, 1961, in Dallas, Mark was the son of James L. Blackburn and Jo Ann Ballard Blackburn.

After graduating Mabank High School in 1979, he joined the United States Navy in May of 1980. He served as the ship's nuclear propulsion operator and supervisor on the USS Arkansas. He was the recipient of several Bronze Stars as he traveled the world. He was honorably discharged in May of 1986. After leaving the Navy, he joined the Dallas Fire Department on January 1, 1987, and served for 30 years. He retired with the rank of Captain.

He married Melinda Jean Lewis on September 19, 1987. The two grew up together and went to school together but it was not until he came back from serving in the navy that they started dating. They soon fell in love and were wed. In 1992 Mark promoted to the rank of Lieutenant with Dallas Fire and welcomed their son, Michael, into the world.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman and had a passion for hunting and fishing. He was an excellent marksman with both pistol and rifle, and he loved to go deep sea fishing. He travelled to Canada twice for adventures hunting black bear. He was looking forward to a Colorado elk hunt this coming September as a birthday gift from Melinda. He loved to work with his friend Tom helping with his whitetail ranch. Anything to do with deer and he was in. He was not only a hunter, but a conservationist as well. He genuinely helped protect the animals from illegal activities. Mark was also an avid reader, took on every chance to golf with his friends (regardless of the weather), and never shied away from the opportunity to do some woodworking.

Mark loved his Dallas Fire Department family. He defended his friends with a fierce loyalty that could only come from a brotherhood of special people. The bond that was developed with his firefighting brothers and sisters drove him to be better. He was always watching to make sure he had their backs. He would go to the ends of the earth to help a brother or do anything for them.

Mark is survived by his wife Melinda Jean Lewis Blackburn and his son James Michael Blackburn (wife Rebecca “Becca”). Brother-in-laws John Lewis of Grand Prairie, James R. Lewis (wife Gail) of Terrell, and Jack Lewis of Mesquite. Mark also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and other family members.

Mark grew very fond of the kids next door and considered them as his grandkids: Colbie, Abigaile, Eliot, Charleston, and Beckham. Mark also leaves behind his family of Dallas firefighters whom he loved dearly and cherished each of them.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents James L. and Jo Ann Blackburn and his sister, Tamara G. Wimmer.

Mark was an amazing husband, father, and friend. Mark, you will forever be loved and missed by so many. Go rest high on that mountain, until we meet again.

One thing that Mark was passionate about and an advocate for was the chance for regular kids to have an opportunity to attend college or go to a trade school. This is for kids that normally would not qualify for a traditional type of scholarship. Information below is only if you feel compelled to give.

A scholarship fund in the name of Mark Blackburn is being set up to help give special young kids an opportunity to attend a trade school.

Donations can be made through Candi Conner with:

Tri County Soccer Association P.O. Box 157 Mabank, Texas 75147 (903) 880-6340.

A visitation for James will be held Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Eubank Cedar Creek, 601 S. 3rd St., Mabank, Texas 75147. A a celebration of life will occur Monday, February 7, 2022 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Mabank, Mt. Vernon St., Mabank, Texas 75147. A graveside will occur Monday, February 7, 2022 at Oaklawn Cemetery, Mabank, TX.

Serving as pallbearers are Bryan Key, Greg Thompson, Kevin Strickland, Mark Willis, Rob Bob, Tae Kim, Tommy Chaney and Tom Malouf.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eubankcedarcreek.com for the Blackburn family.