James R. "Jimmy" Blanton

James R. "Jimmy" Blanton, at 83 years of age, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Tyler, Texas.

He was born July 2, 1942, to H.R. "Shorty" Blanton and Carrie (Pope) Blanton. He and his wife, Linda (Smith) Blanton, were married for 61 years and had two sons, Christopher Todd Blanton and Jeffrey Roy Blanton, and daughter-in-law, Birginia Marina Blanton.

Jimmy is also survived by brothers, Shermon Joel Blanton and wife Linda Blanton, and Larry Wayne Blanton. He has four wonderful grandchildren, Roy Britt Blanton and wife Lacy, Aaron Ray Blanton, Brandon Hunter Blanton, Jessica Taylor Blanton; and three great-grandchildren, Rhyder Blanton, Rawzyn Blanton, and River Blanton.

After graduation from Chireno High School, Jimmy and his best friend, Carl Wheeland, joined the United States Navy. He then worked for Lufkin Industries Inc., where he held the position of supervisor of oil field billing for 23 years before he retired. He also served on the board of directors for Lufkin Federal Credit Union.

He also worked at WalMart in the photo center for 25 years before retirement.

Jimmy was a wonderful servant of his Lord. He was a deacon, song leader, and handyman of Little Chapel Baptist Church for 20 years. He was also a loyal member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Etoile and loved the members there. He sang in the choir until two months before his death.

He loved gardening and Christian books, and taking annual hunting trips with his uncles and cousins. He also loved hunting deer and squirrels with his sons.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and remembered for always having a great laugh and never meeting a stranger.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home chapel, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, with Bro. Jerry Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Yard Cemetery in Shelby County, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.

Visit www.wymanrobertsfh.com for memories and condolences.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

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