Our beloved Julian James Blanton, Jr. (Jim), 70 years old, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2021, at his home in Bowling Green, Virginia.  Jim is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Amy Cowell Blanton of Doswell; and his sons Julian James Blanton III (Jay), and Jeremy Chadwick Blanton (Chad). In addition, his daughters-in-law, Jennifer Blanton (Jenny) and Lucy Montalvo-Blanton; and his grandchildren, Kyla Marie Blanton, Delana Paige Blanton, Nicholas Ryan LeRose, and Julian Joshua Blanton. Jim is also survived by his mother, Bessie Reynolds Allen and his siblings, Beverly McDearmon (Glenn) and John Thomas Blanton (Tommy) (Renee).

Jim was born in Milford, Virginia, November 28, 1950. He graduated high school from Caroline High in 1969 where he played basketball, football, and baseball. While attending college and playing softball in Doswell, he met the love of his life, Amy at a concession stand after which, they continued their relationship as they completed their degrees. He graduated from Mars Hill College with a Bachelor’s in Education, in 1973. They were married, July 14, 1973, at Fork Episcopal Church in Doswell, Virginia. They lived in their first home in Doswell and later established their permanent residency on Milford Street, in Bowling Green. Jim began his career as a physical education teacher at Ladysmith High School in the Fall of 1973 and began his coaching career for track and basketball. His 35 years of dedication and service as a teacher, coach, and athletic director spoke volumes throughout his community. Hence, the Caroline High School gymnasium was named after him, February 21st, 2018, for his commitment and dedication to sports in Caroline County Public Schools. His coaching at Caroline High School consisted of serving as the Head Coach for the Varsity Basketball Team from 1980-1993, where he led his teams to 172 wins including a 44-game winning streak; serving as an assistant varsity and JV head football coach and serving as a JV assistant coach for baseball. It is apparent that he was an amazing coach, but he was an even more amazing father dedicated to coaching several sports Jay and Chad participated in and when not on the ball field, took the boys fishing to the “local pond” to not give up his secret fishing spot. He was actively involved in their academic development, while encouraging and supporting them throughout their life pursuals. He carried on his warm demeanor with each of his grandchildren. He enjoyed time with family, friends, his caregivers Marquita and Joan; playing Christmas music beginning in September, vacationing, and fishing. He was extremely loved and will be greatly missed by his family and the entire Caroline community.  From Amy to Jim: “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I would never have to live without you.” The family will receive friends at the Bowling Green chapel of Storke Funeral Home on Saturday, May 29^th from 6:00 – 8:00pm. A funeral service will take place Sunday at 1:00pm at the funeral home and will be live streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Remarkable Lives. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bowling Green Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.storkefuneralhome.com.