James Blanchard's Obituary
James Donald Blanchard
James Donald Blanchard, age 63, of Lakewood, WA, passed away after a brief illness on April 9, 2012, surrounded by his family at his bedside. He is reunited with his father, George. Jim was the first-born of 5 siblings in St. Paul, MN to George and Rose Blanchard. The family settled in Lakewood in 1950. He attended Clover Park High School, where he lettered in football and track. His skills on the football field landed him an athletic scholarship at Everett Community College, where he earned an associate's degree in Liberal Arts. After college Jim worked as a surgical orderly at Tacoma General Hospital, where he met and married the love of his life, a nurse, Eugie V. Valdez. His work in the medical field brought him to Purdy Women's Correction Center where he was introduced to the field of law enforcement. Jim worked in corrections for the Pierce County Sheriff's Dept. for 25 years. He retired in 2003 as a Corrections Lieutenant. His call to duty also included service in the Coast Guard Reserves. After retirement he worked at the Northwest Detention Center and with HCI, Inc as a government contractor. There will always be laundry to do, lawns to mow, and gutters to clean - Jim made sure he did what mattered most to him, spend time with those he loved. His journey here was short, but he made the most of it. He never lived his life on the sidelines. No matter the age, he always took part in the action. His family always came first. As a loving husband and proud father and grandfather, he wasn't afraid to say "I love you." Jim is survived by his best friend and wife of 40 years, Eugie, his son Ryan and fiancée Stefania Guarda, daughter Kimberly and husband Felix Sweetman III, and their son Felix "Pogi" Sweetman IV. His love for his grandson was unmatched. "Mij" is also survived by his mother Rose Auburg, brother John Blanchard, and sisters Cathy Morris, Jan Wingate, and Sharon Sponeck and their families. It is no small feat marrying into and being accepted by the Filipino culture. Jim embraced their customs, honored the family traditions, and enjoyed their cuisine. "Kuya Jim" will forever be known as an honorary Filipino. He will always be known for his big smile and dimple. Jim enjoyed taking naps, going to the movies, get-togethers with family, telling jokes and stories, playing cribbage, fishing, and travelling. Since his wife's retirement they spent every day together. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 3:00p-9:00p at Mountain View Funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 14 at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 10508 112th St SW, Lakewood, WA: 12:00p final viewing, 12:30p Rosary Prayer, 1:00p Funeral Mass. Funeral procession and graveside burial at Mountain View Funeral Home.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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