James Palmer "Jimmy" Blanford, age 69 of Saint Francis, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at his home, with his family by his side.  With courage and fortitude, he battled stage four lung cancer for eight years.  He owned and operated Blanford Drywall with his brother, Rickey.  He was an outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, gardening, camping, and relaxing on his porch overlooking his lake.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Kathleen Lyvers Blanford; three brothers, Frankie, Gary, and Barry Blanford; two sisters, Beverly Burton and Diane Koob.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Nancy Tharp Blanford; three children, Patrick Palmer Blanford (Jennifer) of Saint Francis, Shawna Renee Mattingly (Derek) of Holy Cross and Brandon Mitchell Blanford, (Katie) of Holy Cross; eight grandchildren, Eli Mattingly, Breydon Blanford, Ali Mattingly, Breyley Blanford, Kayleen Blanford, Sonny James Blanford, Mayla Blanford, and Maggie Jo Blanford; four brothers, Mickey Blanford (Linda), David Blanford, Neal Blanford (Dale), and Rickey Blanford (Mary Ann); three sisters, Mary Pat Moore (Tom), Jeanette Benjamin (Stephen), and Kathy Brady; one brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law.

Funeral Services for Jimmy Blanford will be held at 11 am Monday, January 27, 2025 at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto.  Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant will officiate.  Interment will be private at his homeplace.

The visitation is 3-8 pm Sunday at Mattingly Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7 pm.

Pallbearers are Thomas Mattingly, Gaylon Blanford, Steven Blanford, Brandon Blanford, Patrick Blanford, Derek Mattingly, Eli Mattingly, and Breydon Blanford; Honorary pallbearers are Ali Mattingly and Breyley Blanford.