Jim Blackburn

It is with deep sadness and love in our hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of John James “Jim” Blackburn at Fairfield Park Nursing Home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease on March 9, 2021 at the age of 87. Born in Dresden Ontario, Jim was the son of the late CPL R.A. “Arch” and Vera (Parker) Blackburn. He will be missed by his beloved wife and soulmate of 63 years Nancy (Forshee). Devoted father of Brad Blackburn (Diane), Beth Blackburn (Cathy Moore) and Barb Holmes (the late Todd) and two grandchildren Stephanie Blackburn (Jonnie) and the late Michael Blackburn. Brother of Marjorie (Mame) and Ed McNally, brother-in-law of Rosemary Nicholls, Lorne Jones and the late Robert Forshee. Extended family to Robert & Judy Blackburn. Predeceased by daughter-in-law Shay Reese and grandson Kevin Fields. Jim will be missed by his many other family members and close friends. Jim loved and proudly worked as a service man for Union Gas for 43 years and was simply known to many around the community as ‘the gas man of Wallaceburg’ until his retirement in 1995. He was a very active member and past president of the Sydenham Community Curling Club for many years where he was always a big part of the social events at the club where he made many long and close friendships that lasted his entire life. He was actively involved with the baseball leagues at Steinoff Park for years, acting as president for many of them. He was a big supporter of his grandchildren as he was often seen sitting on his lawn chair at the ballpark or soccer field cheering them on. Always a true and loyal diehard Tigers fan… GO TIGERS! His main love and passion was being a member of the Dresden Branch #113 Royal Canadian Legion where he could honour his late father CPL R.A. Blackburn who died in Italy during WWII in 1943. Jim received a lifetime member award in 2007. He was known as the Drummer Boy where he would march and drum with the Legion Colour Guard and parade to the cenotaph for the November 11 Remembrance Day Services until his health would not allow it. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all the staff at Fairfield Park, Dr. Atoe and Dr. Perkin for all the excellent care and support they provided to Jim for the past 4 years. A celebration of Jim’s life and burial in Dresden Cemetery will be announced at future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the HAYCOCK-CAVANAGH FUNERAL HOME, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg. If desired, remembrances to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #113 Dresden, the CKHA Sydenham New Site Campaign or St. James Anglican Church may be left at the funeral home 519.627.3231. Online tributes may be left at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca