James T. Blackburn

September 30, 1939 - February 6, 2021

James “JT” Blackburn, 81 of Franklin Grove, passed away on Saturday, February, 6 2021 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born September 30, 1939, in Dixon, IL, the son of Thomas Francis Blackburn and Eva Elizabeth (Sondgeroth) Blackburn. He married Barbara North on August 29, 1959 in Oregon, IL. Barbara preceded him in death on July 24, 2000. He married Mary Ann (Chesley) Mauch on May 31, 2003. James was a lifelong farmer, he also worked in the fertilizer and petroleum business for many years and received many awards for his service. He later worked as a federal crop adjuster until his retirement. James earned his FFA IL State Farmer degree in 1957 and his FFA American Farmer degree in 1959. He was a member of the District 271 Board of Education 1979 - 1983 and was a past member of the Franklin Grove Lions Club. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of Franklin Grove; sons: Jeff (Paula) Blackburn of Oregon, IL, Tom (Kathy) Blackburn of Wheaton, IL, Rich (Molly) Blackburn of Amboy, IL, Jeff (Meghan) Clark, Ashton, IL, daughter: Janet (Todd) Sutton of Naperville, IL, and daughter-in-law, Cheryl (Bob) Allen, step-children: David (Wanda) Mauch, Larry (Beth White) Mauch, Denise (Tom) Bauer, Craig (Mary) Mauch, Darwin (Martha) Mauch and Jennifer (Maury) Wilmoth, step-brother John (Mary) Leffelman, Amboy, IL and 26 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Barbara, sister, Geraldine Heckman, son James R. Blackburn, granddaughter, Joellen Mauch, step-brother Sylvan Leffelman and his wife Virginia. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to all of the staff at Serenity Hospice & Home, and to his night time “Angel” Gwen Weidman. Visitation will be on Wednesday Feb. 10, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with the Rosary at 7:00 PM at the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon. Funeral services will be on Thursday Feb. 11, 2021 beginning with a 10:00 AM prayer service at the funeral home followed by a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St Patrick Catholic Church with the Rev. Keith Romke officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Serenity Hospice and Home, 1658 S. Illinois Route 2, Oregon, IL 61061 or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.