James Harold Blackledge

James Harold Blackledge, age 83, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 18, 2016. He was a longtime resident of Gulfport, MS. Born October 19, 1933 in Laurel, MS. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, carpenter, and enjoyed the outdoors where he felt closest to God. He had a tremendous sense of humor and was a great storyteller. He also enjoyed reading, singing, and gardening. He was a member of the Miller Trail Hunting Camp in Port Gibson, where he made lasting friendships and considered the members of the camp as part of his extended family. His friends at the deer camp gave him the nickname “Windy” for his love of talking and telling humorous stories. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he proudly served in the Special Services in Germany and was a member of the Keesler Semi-Pro Football team. He was a graduate of Gulfport High School Class of 1951 and continued to delight in frequent meetings with his friends and classmates of his graduating class over the years. He expressed great interests in the history of the Gulf Coast and State of Mississippi and was a member of the Historical Society of Gulfport. He retired from Equifax Services after 30 years of employment. He was loved by many and a friend to everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mamie Jewel Shots Blackledge and Van Eaton Blackledge; and brother, Van Blackledge. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Johnnie Sue Blackledge; 4 daughters, Kim Proctor, Joyce Struss, Teri Blackledge, and Lea Bellon; 3 son-in-Laws, Lanny Proctor, Richard Struss, and Ron Bellon; 4 granddaughters, Laurel Struss, Sarah Jewel Proctor, Meredith Bellon, and Lucy Bellon; 2 nephews, Kenny and Robin Blackedge; 2 nieces, Brenda Bowman and Cynthia Hillman; honorary daughter, Emma Jane Rose; and a host of other family members and friends. Service will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street in Gulfport on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 12pm. Family and friends are invited to visit from 10:30 am until 12pm. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers: David Stewart, Gage Jones, Jerry Gardner, David Jackson, Tom McCalpin, Tate McCalpin; Honorary Pallbearers: Randy Blacklidge and Dr. Richard Tilley.