James E. "Jim" Blackford , age 71 of Elwood, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo after an extended illness.  He was born March 20, 1952 in Elwood, the son of Edward L. and Donna M. (Leisure) Blackford.  Jim was a 1971 graduate of Frankton High School and later served his country in the U.S. Army.  He worked in several different positions through the years including manufacturing and truck driving, but he had been disabled for many years due to health.

Jim was a proud veteran and a patriotic person.  He loved motorcycling on his Harley-Davidson Road King and taking road trips through the years.  Jim also enjoyed fishing, spending time outdoors with nature, decorating his home, and listening to good blues music.  More than anything, Jim loved spending time with all his family.  He will be greatly missed.

Jim's family includes 3 children, Harmony Blackford (Chase Tomlinson) of Anderson, Jeremiah Blackford of Noblesville, and David Blackford of Anderson; partner, Heather Hampton of Elwood; his beloved German Shepard, Zeus; 7 siblings, Cathy (Brian) Albertson of Swayzee, Donita Guillemette of Elwood, John (Samantha) Blackford of Nevada, Jerry (Sherry) Blackford of Arkansas, Don (Renee) Blackford of Arkansas, Laura (Shawn) Gordon of Anderson, and Michelle Raines of Goshen; 5 step-siblings, Mike (Loretta) Cox of Texas, Randy (Angela) Cox of Indianapolis, Robert Cox of Indiana, Miranda (Dan) Bair of Indiana, and Susan (Daren) Grile of Anderson; spouse, Terri Blackford, former spouse, Sandy Richie; and several nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother – Dale Blackford; 2 brothers-in-law, Tom Guillemette and Joseph Raines; and former spouse, Carrie Blackford.

A funeral service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with family member, Pastor Dan Bair of the First Christian Church in Fort Wayne, officiating.  Military honors will be conducted at the start of the service at the funeral home.  Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 pm prior to the funeral on Monday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the funeral home to offset funeral expenses.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.