James Edward "Jim" Blankenship, 82, was born on March 23, 1943, in Cedar Springs, Oklahoma, the son of Willie Ben Blankenship and Farra Mae (Matthews) Blankenship. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, William Leon Blankenship; sisters, Allene Pulliam, Ruth Young, Corrine Blankenship, and Delores Earthman.

Jim began his lifelong service to the United States when he joined the U.S. Army in 1959. He toured Korea as an infantryman, and while enlisted, he decided to become a member of the Military Police. Jim went through Officer Candidate School, spent a tour in Vietnam, and spent the next twelve years working up the ranks to Major. He married the love of his life, Mary Lou Young, on May 18, 1963, at the Sawyer Baptist Church in Sawyer, Oklahoma. Jim retired from the military as the Deputy Provost Marshal at Fort Hood, TX. Jim accomplished this while acquiring many educational accomplishments, including a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska in 1972 and his Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Central Texas University in Killeen, Texas in 1979.

Jim moved on to working in the private sector, working for many years for Lockheed Aeronautical Systems in California. During his tenure in the private sector, Jim was enlisted to ensure proper security protocol for projects ranging from Saudi Arabia Construction to top secret defense contracts. After his second retirement he returned to Oklahoma fulfilling his promise to Mary Lou to reunite with family. He spent eleven years enjoying his grandchildren and returned to work in 2011 for the Choctaw Nation working his way up to surveillance manager and retired for the third time in 2021.

Jim spent the last four years serving the Lord, teaching the Adult Sunday School Class at Sawyer Baptist Church. He loved Jesus and was a faithful servant, ensuring he would be reunited in the arms of his Lord upon departure from his earthly dwelling. Jim's passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of his family and friends. He will always be remembered for his love of Jesus, family, friends, Country, and his dog, Little Buddy.

Jim fought illness for the past year and a half, exemplifying strength and a warrior spirit. He passed on his terms and is no longer in pain but in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou of the home; sons, Jaime Blankenship and wife LaDonna of Hugo, OK and Kelly Blankenship and wife, Tracy of Sawyer, OK; daughter, Brenda Blankenship of Hugo, OK; grandchildren, Curtis, Corey and Courtney Martin, Brittney and Joshua Blankenship, Jake and Cade Blankenship and "Little Buddy" along with a host of family, friends and loved ones.