GLENPOOL, Okla. — James “Jim” Blansett, 80, unexpectedly went home with our Father on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Glenpool, Oklahoma, with his children surrounding him.
Jim was born Aug. 22, 1944, to Elmo and Martha Blansett in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He grew up with two brothers and four sisters. He was an all-star in sports. He graduated from Bishop McCort Catholic High School with a football scholarship to Parsons Junior College.
Jim moved to Parsons and met the love of his life, Judy Merchant. They married Dec. 11, 1965. They lived in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for a while, Parsons, Wichita and back to Parsons. Jim worked at Beech Aircraft while in Wichita. They returned to Parsons in 1971. He then worked at the Katy Railroad until 1986.
Jim enjoyed football, baseball, fishing, his trucks, good old rock ‘n’ roll, dancing and camping. He took his family on many camping adventures. Jim and Judy raised their five children in Parsons.
He is survived by his children, James (Debbie), Noah, Elizabeth (Antonio) Gonzalez, Abigail, Caleb and Micaiah Blansett; his grandchildren, Gary Dodds III, Kayla (Josh) Green, Kelly (Stuart) Samuel, Alexander (T.J. Cox), Benjamin, Christian (Danielle York) Thompson, Christopher (companion Cris Budenhagen), Cameron, Emilie and Erynn (Dylan) Cunningham, Allison Blansett (companion Milan Burnett), Jodeci Turner, Iziah Blansett; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Tom Blansett of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; and a sister, June Gottwald of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Staci Barker; a brother, Robert Blansett; his lifelong partner, Judy Blansett; and four other siblings.
A celebration of life service will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 14, at the Parsons Arboretum. The rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
The family suggests donations to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
