James Earl Blankenship, 75, of Cadiz, KY, formerly of Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully at his home, on March 17, 2025. He was born on March 24, 1949, in Cairo, IL, the son of the late Kelly and Avis (nee McGary) Blankenship. He was a proud graduate of Joliet Township High School, Class of 1968.
Jim answered the call to serve his nation, being drafted into the United States Army in 1969. He proudly served in the Vietnam War. Initially assigned to Company C, 75th Infantry, 17th Aviation Group, he would end his time in the war in Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 5th Air Calvary, 164th Aviation Group with the rank of Specialist 4. Jim was honored with numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unity Citation Badge, the First Class Unit Citation Badge, as well as Good Conduct Medal. The War had a profound effect on Jim for the rest of his life. He held a Life Membership with the Stone City VFW.
He became employed at Caterpillar and worked as a Maintenance Repairman for 31 years until his retirement in 1998. Jim was also a handyman and skilled carpenter, learning the trade from his father. He retired to Cadiz, Kentucky, where he enjoyed his life on the lake and loved when his family would come to see him. You could find him with a beer and a smoke in his chair or on his deck.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Shannon; step-sons, Mike Dubs and Brad Dubs; and his sisters, Della (the late Boyd) Rains, Donna Curry, and Nita (the late Mike) Rose. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ronnie Blankenship (1966) and Gary Blankenship (2021); and his beloved canine companions, “Pepper” and “Pugsly”.
Jim’s legacy of service, strength, and kindness will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is reunited with those who went before him and that his memory will continue to live on in the stories and hearts of those he touched.
Funeral Services for James Earl Blankenship will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. Interment will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
