James W. Blackman

WOOSTER – James “Jim” W. Blackman passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 75.  He was born to William S. and Mildred Blackman in Guilderland, New York.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth A. Blackman.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by stepson, Craig (Penny) Gortner; stepdaughter, Vonda (Scott) Muench; grandchildren, Rebekke Muench (Ryan Stutzman) and Richard Muench (Shannon McWilliams); great grandchildren, Rylie and Theodore Stutzman; brother, Timothy; sister, Pamela (Don) Zink; brothers-in-law, Harry (Phyllis) Hochstetler, Marion Sr. (Carol) Hochstetler; sisters-in-law, Corienne Nussbaum, Norma (Ted) Shaub and Barbara (David) Champer as well as several nieces and nephews.  Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, Randall Nussbaum and R. Andrew Nichols.

Jim was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the U.S. Army from January 1970 to August 1971. Receiving basic training at Ft. Dix, he served in the 1st Calvary 23rd Infantry, American Division and was a Bronze Star Recipient.  A graduate of Guilderland High School, Jim was employed by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) his entire career working in the area of design, survey, construction, bridge inspection and then retiring as assistant resident engineer for Montgomery and Fulton Counties.

A charter parishioner of the Lynnwood Reformed Church in Guilderland, Jim served as Deacon, Elder, and church school teacher for 7th and 8th graders.  One of the class projects was the design and construction of a Prayer Labyrinth on the church grounds.  After moving to Fonda, NY, he served as Deacon, Elder, and church school teacher in the Fonda and Glen Reformed Churches as well as church school teacher at the Amsterdam United Methodist Church.  After moving to Ohio, he attended the Apple Creek United Methodist Church, where he served on the Ad Council as well as a church school teacher, and later attended the Orrville Christian and Missionary Alliance.  His greatest joy was working with the youth and teaching them the gospel.

Jim and Elizabeth enjoyed watching the wildlife in their backyard, trips back to their cabin in the Adirondacks of NY, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and in their early years, week long backpack/canoe outings with friends as well as visiting Civil War sites in Virginia.  They both served as camp counselors at the Camp Fowler Retreat center in Speculator, NY for several years.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Betty Martin and Lois Morehead, as well as the dedicated staff at Divine Rehabilitation Center and the hospice nurses for their compassionate care and support.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Orrville Christian and Missionary Alliance, 300 S. Walnut St., Orrville, OH 44667 with Pastor Paul Simonsen, officiating. Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fowler Camp and Retreat Center, 1790 Grand Blvd., Schenectady, NY, 12309 (http://campfowler.org/donate) or to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-828-2536)

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