James Scott Blackard, 75, resident of Bonham, Texas, passed away with his family at his side, on October 6, 2022.

He was born October 5, 1947, at Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Scott and Jerrine (Cheek) Blackard, and was happily welcomed by his five-year-old sister, Robbie.  He spent his entire childhood in Stilwell, Oklahoma, formed many lifelong friendships there, and graduated from Stilwell High School in 1965.  He served as vice-president of the FFA, played football, worked in his parents’ grocery store, and took every opportunity to water ski on nearby Lake Tenkiller. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Louise (Isbell) Blackard, and two children were born to this union—a daughter, Lisa Dianne (Blackard) Ortiz and a son, Kenneth James Blackard.

The summer after high school graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army Security Agency, and spent 8-1/2 years in the military. He received training in electronics that prepared him for service at various stateside posts, as well as two overseas assignments: Thule AFB, Greenland and Augsburg, Germany.

After discharge, the family returned to Oklahoma, where Jim fearlessly climbed microwave towers and oil derricks to install and work on monitoring equipment.  In his spare time, he enjoyed riding and working on motorcycles, fishing, camping, and spending time with friends and family.

Later, the family moved to Enid, Oklahoma, where Jim worked at Vance AFB, for several years, installing and maintaining flight simulators used in training T-38 fighter pilots.

In 1983, the family became Texas residents, and Jim went to work for an electronics company in Carrollton.  Later, he began working for Koetter Fire Protection Services where, using his electronics experience, he worked on fire, security, and suppression systems.  He and Bob Rabroker also partnered, for a time, to develop several pieces of equipment for the airline industry that reduced cost and increased efficiency.

Although Jim could have retired years ago, he hadn’t considered that an option.  He enjoyed his work and was always looking to create solutions for complex problems.  In August of 2020, Jim suffered a stroke that forced him to concentrate his energy on therapy to regain his mobility and improve communication.

Jim was a 21-year member of Bells First United Methodist Church and participated with other members of the United Methodist Men to maintain the facility and support its many vital ministries.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister.  Survivors left to cherish his memory include:

Wife: Pat (Isbell) Blackard, of the home.

Children: Lisa Blackard Ortiz & Ben of Powderly, Texas, and
Kenneth Blackard & Ruth (Sanchez) of Quinlan, Texas

Grandchildren:  Justin Blackard-Ortiz of Powderly, Texas and
Brittany Ortiz & Shonda (Gorton) of Ft. Smith, Arkansas

Great-Grandchildren:  Pitcher Scott (Gorton) of Ft. Smith, Arkansas

Numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

Jim will be greatly missed and remembered as a strong, kind, rather quiet man, whose quick one-liners always made us laugh.  We look forward to the day we see him again.

Visitation:  6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Mullican Little Funeral Home             Phone:  903-965-4244
754 State Highway 56 East
Bells, Texas  75414

Funeral Service:  1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 13, 2022

Bells First United Methodist Church   Phone:  903-965-4861
301 South Pecan Street
Bells, Texas 75414-2699

Interment will be at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 17, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bells First United Methodist Church.