James Elton Blackwell, 76, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C. He was born on Monday, February 28, 1949, in Iredell County to the late John Henry Blackwell and Bessie Lee Jones Blackwell Dalton.

James attended Iredell County Schools and was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Statesville.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Victoria Blackwell; six brothers, Terry, Roosevelt, Walter, John Emerson, and Robert Blackwell; and three sisters, Fanida Adams, Geraldine Blackwell, and Patricia Steele.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his life three sisters, Dena McCullough and Sarah Horn, both of Statesville, N.C., and Helen Vinson of Macon, Ga.; one brother-in-law, Robert (Bobby) Cooper of Charlotte, N.C.; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Special Thank You!

Special thanks to his nephew, Emmiet (Mack) Blackwell, and niece, Terrell Steele Walker, who cared for James after the recent passing of his wife.

Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary is serving the family.