James Blandford Obituary

James R. Blandford CHARLESTON - James R. Blandford, born on December 25, 1931 in Pittsburg, PA passed away at his home in Charleston, SC on August 13, 2023. Jim proudly graduated from the US Naval Academy, class of 1955. He participated on the crew team, going to the Olympics in Helsinki in 1952. He enjoyed serving in the Navy until retiring in 1981. Following his Navy career, he worked as Director of Engineering onboard the USS Yorktown until retirement. His love of the sea ran deep in his soul. One of his favorite passions was travel. He enjoyed cruises, often saying "They (the Navy) paid me to go to sea, now I have to pay them (the cruise line) to go to sea." He is survived by his wife, Noel Healy Blandford and three children; Rob (Joanne) Blandford of Williamsburg, VA; Allison (Steve) Ross of Rutherfordton, NC; and Alicia (Greg) Parker of Fernandina Beach, FL; and four stepchildren, Scott McLoud, Heather (Ben) Brownlee, and Poppy McLoud of Charleston, SC and Rose (Eric) Mercure of Cave Creek, AZ. He had 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Kaethe Madigan Blandford in 1996. Celebrations of Jim's life will be held in smaller, intimate settings. The family intends to honor Jim's memory through personal gatherings that reflect their unique and cherished relationships with friends and loved ones. He will be cremated and interred at the USNA Columbarium in Annapolis, MD at a later date. Your thoughts and support are deeply appreciated during this time of remembrance.