James Robert Blanchard

Our dad, James Robert Blanchard, passed away peacefully on July 13th - his 90th birthday.\u0026nbsp; Jim fought a long battle with emphysema and cancer, and was cared for lovingly by his four children thoughout that time.\u0026nbsp; We were able to keep in our family home which he built and was very important to him, and provided exceptional care up to the end. Jim was born in Portland to Charles J. Blanchard and Ratie Blanchard-Fidler.\u0026nbsp; He attended Vestal Grade School and Benson High, and after graduation he enlisted in the Air Force where he was stationed in England as a cook and developed a life long appreciation for the art of cooking.\u0026nbsp; Jim married Myrna Johns in 1954 and they raised their children in the Montavilla neighborhood until they were forced to move to provide room for Interstate 205.\u0026nbsp; He was machinist by trade and was skilled archer, and an outstanding steelhead fisherman.\u0026nbsp; Jim also played fastpitch softball as a pitcher for some of Portland's most competitive leagues. After his retirement Jim found love again and married his Dancing Sweetheart, Ann Lee Booth-Blanchard.\u0026nbsp; Together they enjoyed dancing and entertaining and were members of the Eagles Lodge in Gresham, where they especially enjoyed outings with the travel group until her death in 2010. Jim is survived by sons Jeff (Stephanie) and Dan, and daughters Karyn Butler and Susan Schnepp, as well as 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren.\u0026nbsp; He is also survived by Anna's children Sherry Bowers and David Valenti. Jim will be laid to rest along with Anna on August 20th at 1pm at Willamette National Cemetery with military honors.\u0026nbsp; Celebration of live following at the family home in Damascus. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James Robert Blanchard, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store."",