Jim ‘Jimmie Joe’ Blackburn, 77

Jim “Jimmie Joe” Blackburn, 77, of West Plains, died Jan. 16, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by his family. At his request, no public service is planned.

He was born July 28, 1943, in Tecumseh, the second son of Flay O’Dell Blackburn and Dorothy Blackburn. He grew up in Tecumseh and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1961.

Mr. Blackburn traveled many years with his younger brother, Jack, as a union ironworker. He spent 15 years as a ranch manager on Sheeks Ranch in Gainesville. Later, he became co-owner of B&B Riley Septic until he retired. In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and visiting the senior center pool room. He loved staying in contact with childhood friends from Ozark Count and telling “fish” stories of their grand adventures. He spent his final fun moments with friends at the West Plains Senior Center. 

He is survived by his wife, Janice Blackburn of West Plains; daughter Patty Ingalls and her husband Richard and their four children, Joshua, Micah, Hannah and Anna; older brother Bob Blackburn; younger sisters Kathy Snell and husband Clarence of Gainesville, and Linda Blackburn and Nancy Black, both of Dawt; several nieces and nephews; many friends; and his beloved dog Max.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Jack Blackburn; and sisters Pat Blackburn and Cindy Blackburn.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423