James Robert Blalack

OXFORD - James Robert Blalack, age 72, formerly of Cleveland, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 5, 2024 at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford, MS.  

James was born on December 3, 1951, to George Robert and Mary Kathryn Springer Blalack in Bolivar County, MS.  He graduated from Ruleville High School in Ruleville, Mississippi in 1969.  He joined the United States Army in May of 1971 and served 2 years 10 months and 2 days until honorably discharged in March of 1974.  After being stationed in Colorado, he returned to the Mississippi Delta.  He married Judith Mary Opland in Memphis, Tennessee in 1974.  James was a former West Implement Company (John Deere) mechanic for almost 30 years.  He was known for being the best cotton picker mechanic around the Delta.  He loved his family very much, especially his children and grandchildren.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Mary Opland Blalack; son, Brian Blalack; parents, George Robert and Mary Kathryn Springer Blalack; brother, George Franklin “Frankie” Blalack; and sister, Janice Blalack Irby.  

James is survived by his daughter, Mary (John) Anderson of Chelsea, AL; son, Peter (Marie) Ronhovde of Bluefield, WV; sister-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” Opland of Bluefield, WV; along with his 5 grandsons; Brandon Ronhovde, Daniel Ronhovde, Joshua Ronhovde, Holt Anderson, and Brody Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to Camp Seale Harris Southeastern Diabetes Education Services. Their address is 500 Chase Park South Suite 109 in Birmingham, AL 35244.