James "Jimmy" William Blanchard, age 66, of Rose Hill died Thursday, December 4, 2008 in Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 30, 1942 in Wilmington and was the son of Marguerite Flynn Blanchard of Rose Hill and the late William T. Blanchard.

Mr. Blanchard served his country honorably in the US Navy and attended NC State University and Campbell University. Early in his career he became a successful blueberry farmer in Duplin County and later became owner and operator of Duplin Hydraulics. He was President of the National Wild Turkey Federation and a former officer in the Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of Wallace United Methodist Church where he was active in the Wallace Methodist Men. Mr. Blanchard was a member of Rehoboth Lodge #279 A.F. & A. M. of Rose Hill and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his loving wife of thirty-nine years, Sylvia Zehrbach Blanchard of the home; his son, Christopher W. Blanchard and his wife, Shannon and their children, Kensley Brooke Blanchard and Jase William Blanchard of Rose Hill; his daughter, Amy Blanchard Bradshaw and husband, Clayton and their son, Tyler Clayton Bradshaw of Rose Hill; sisters, Barbara B. Allen and husband, Bob of Raleigh and Janet Flynn Blanchard of Wilmington and numerous friends.

Graveside service will be 3:00 pm Monday, December 8, 2008 at Rockfish Memorial Cemetery, Wallace.

Memorial service will be 7:00 pm Monday, December 8, 2008 at Wallace United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 pm Sunday at the home of Jimmy and Sylvia Blanchard.

In lieu of flowers, at the wishes of Jimmy Blanchard, please send memorial gifts to Wallace United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund, 303 S. College Street, Wallace, NC 28466.

You may send condolences to the Blanchard family below.