James Gordon Blalock

He served his country in WWII in the Merchants Marines and afterward enlisted in the Coast Guard followed by two terms in the NC National Guard. After retiring from a career at Texaco in 1981, Gordon started his own business, Custom Trailers on Old Cherry Point Road, where he built utility trailers, pig cookers and did other types of metalwork. During this time, he also opened Pa's Craft House and created award-winning handmade wood crafts. Gordon was a member of St. John's Lodge #3, the Scottish Rite and was a Shriner for over 50 years. He was also a member of Antioch FWB Church.

Gordon is survived by a large family that loved him and will miss him dearly. Two sons and their spouses, Robert & Julie Blalock and Lynn & Sherry Blalock; three grandsons and their spouses, Jeremy & Jodi Blalock, Travis & Allyson Blalock, Kevin & Erin Blalock, and granddaughter Ginny Blalock & her fiancé, Tim Andrews; seven great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Jaylin, Jace, Natalie, Oliver, Avery, and Alex; one brother, Norfleet Jones.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Clara Blalock, his parents, Travis and Koma Blalock, and his sister Betsy Sykes.

A funeral service to remember his life will be held Saturday, June 27 at 2 PM at Greenleaf Memorial Gardens Lakeside Chapel with Masonic Rites and Military Honors. The Blalock Family will receive friends after the service.

Thank you for the special care that Bayview Nursing Home and the Crystal Coast Hospice House provided to Mr. Blalock.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gordon’s memory may be made to the Shriner's Children Hospital at donate.lovetotherescue.org or to the Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh Newport, NC 28570.

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