James David Blackstone Jr., 82, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 7, 2021. He was born on October 20, 1938 in Fairfield, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife of forty-seven years ,Thelma F. Blackstone, his mother, Bessie Henrietta Blackstone, his father, James David Blackstone and his brother, Jon Carlos Blackstone. He is survived by several cousins from both sides of the family.
JD grew up in Fairfield, Alabama on 49th St. and attended Fairfield Schools. He was a natural born athlete and played football for Fairfield High School graduating in 1955 with a football scholarship to the University of Alabama.
On February 13, 1962, JD joined the United States Air Force. He became an avionics repair technician with Strategic Air Command maintaining auto-pilot and navigational systems in B-52 aircrafts. During his time stationed at Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, MS and while eating breakfast one morning on his way fishing met the love of his life, Thelma Fay White. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1966 he moved to Inverness, FL where he took a job as an apprentice electrician. He and Thelma married shortly afterwards and later moved to Tampa, FL. JD worked in the telecommunications industry for GTE before retiring. He later took a job teaching basic electrical theory and the National Electrical Code at Hillsboro Community College before retiring a second time. JD loved to fish, he loved his wife, he loved his family but most of all be loved God and his son Jesus Christ who he dedicated his life to. JD attended Bible College in Tampa, FL and became the Pastor of Falkenburg Road Baptist Church. Five years after his wife Thelma passed away, JD moved to an assisted living home in Pell City, AL. He conducted a weekly Bible study on Sunday mornings for all that were able to attend. JD continued to study the word of God daily and was an inspiration to all who knew him
There will be a public visitation on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 10:00am-11:00am at Valhalla Cemetery located at 839 Wilkes Rd. Midfield, AL. 35228 with a Celebration of Life Graveside Service to follow at 11:00am with military honors. Pastor Burks Crane will be officiating. Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel directing.
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