James Arthur Blackburn

James Arthur Blackburn, 81, of 3 Green Oak Rd., Asheville, died Sunday, May 28, 2000 at his residence. A native of Kings Mtn., NC, he was a son of the late Robert R. and Anne Dixon Blackburn. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ray and Walter Blackburn. He was a US Army veteran of WW II, serving as a Technician Fifth Grade, Company “A” 604th Engineering Camouflage Battlion, which received a Service of Merit Award. He was a retired foreman with John Abbott Construction Co. with 20 years service and a former employee with WB Michael Construction. He is survived by his wife, Naydean Maness Blackburn; daughters, Germaine Warren of Alexander, Vickie Rogers of Leicester; son, James E. Blackburn of Asheville; sisters, Flora Lee Yarbor of Kings Mtn., NC, Elizabeth Hollifield of Charlotte; brothers, Don Blackburn of Kings Mtn., Max Blackburn of Charlotte; grandsons, Mark Daniel Blackburn of Asheville, Sr. Airman Chad Edward Blackburn currently stationed at Wichita, KS; and three step-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Erica and Mark Rogers of Leicester. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday in the Patton Avenue Chapel of Groce Funeral Home with Reverend Neil Haynes officiating. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory, with pallbearers being, David Warren, Rick Rogers, Jerry Rogers, Chad Blackburn, Mark Blackburn and Clarence Young. His family will receive friends 7-8:30 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 16, Asheville, NC 28802.