James L. Blackford Sr.

James L. Blackford, Sr., 89, of Martinsburg passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. Born on August 27, 1931 in Bardane, WV he was the son of the late Harry and Susan Blackford. “Big Jim” as he came to be called, enlisted in the US Army and served during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Jim drove a truck at night and attended Shepherd University during the day, graduating from Shepherd University with a BS Degree.

Jim joined the 167th WV ANG as a computer programmer and later transferred to Civil Engineering, where he retired as a Master Sergeant. While employed with the 167th WV ANG he was one of the founding fathers of the 167th Federal Credit Union and was the last of the charter members. Jim was a member of the 167th WV ANG bowling team and enjoyed traveling to many locations around the country.

After leaving the ANG, Jim worked at Musselman Apple Plant, Capital Cement /Martin Marietta/Essroc and retired from the local IRS in 1990.

Jim was a member of various fraternal organizations including the Martinsburg Loyal Order of the Lodge #120, holding various offices and in May of 1999 earned a coveted Pilgrims Degree; a member of the Robert White Lodge Masonic #67, a member of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons, a member of the Scottish Rite Masons and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, all of which he earned various degrees.

Jim loved the New York Yankees and stayed up many nights watching games. When he could, he attended many Shepherd University football games and enjoyed following the West Virginia Mountaineers. He continued to bowl and was a member of several leagues at Pikeside Bowling Alley, where he was a member of the 300 club. Jim enjoyed hunting and his time spent at several hunting camps. After his retirement, several days a month he and Doris enjoyed playing cards with several of his siblings where a lot of bluffing went on!

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Doris Ann Blackford; sons James Blackford, Jr. and wife Brenda, Roger Blackford and wife Kelly, Brian Michael Blackford and wife Tina, and his daughter, Linda Stotelmyer, all of Martinsburg.

One of his greatest pleasures was being a grandfather to his grandchildren; JL Blackford, Ashley Lahman-Lady, Lindsay and Christopher Stotelmyer, Corey and Hunter Blackford, Ryan, Avery, Quintin and Dylan Blackford, Todd and Adam Bricker. He also was grandfather to seven great grandchildren.

In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by sister Mary Weller of Ranson, WV and sister-in-law Treva Blackford, of Kearneysville, WV.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William Blackford, Harry Blackford, Allen Blackford and sister Louise Boyd.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the healthcare teams at Berkeley Medical Center, his physicians, nurses and staff, and his evening caregivers Irene, Denise and Angie, who were loving and supportive. Their kindness to entire family will never be forgotten.

Services and interment will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: University Healthcare Foundation to benefit the BMC Oncology Unit, 2500 Hospital Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25401; Meals on Wheels, 116 E. King Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401 and The Berkeley County Humane Society, 554 Charles Town Road, Martinsburg, WV, 25405.

Condolences can be sent to RosedaleFuneral.com