Life story

" James “Jim” Sullivan Blackwelder, Jr. (75), son of the late James and Catherine Blackwelder, devoted husband of the late Paula Crisson Blackwelder, brother of seven siblings, father of three daughters, uncle of many, and grandfather (“Pa”) of six passed away in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

Jim Blackwelder was born on September 1, 1945, in Greensboro, NC. He later moved with his family to Melbourne, FL, where he met and later married his next-door neighbor, Paula. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Florida State University and master’s degree in computer science from Virginia Tech University. He moved to the Fredericksburg, VA, area with his wife, Paula following graduation from college where he enjoyed a successful 35-year professional career at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, VA.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed coaching and playing softball for Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, volunteering at his daughters’ swim meets for the Rappahannock Swim League, and playing bridge. Jim was an avid sports fan who enjoyed rooting on the Florida State Seminoles as well as Washington, DC, area professional teams.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife, infant son, James Robert Blackwelder, brothers Robert Shuping and Tom Minor, and sister, Gerry Kurkoski, Jim leaves behind three daughters, Rhonda Thompson of Cary, NC, Michelle Elliott and Jamie Aversa of Fredericksburg, VA, his son-in-law, Jesse Aversa of Fredericksburg, VA, sisters Katie Wallet of King George, VA, Ethel Placey of Palm Bay, FL, Johnnie Ebbert of Deltona, FL, Kim Massaud of Marietta, GA, and Vanessa McCurry of Melbourne, FL, and grandchildren, Lindsay, Aaron, Rebecca, Brandon, Jason, and Brian.

Pa took great pride in celebrating his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He led by example in encouraging his children and grandchildren to become caring adults and professionals who value not only hard work but most importantly friendship and family. He was a soft spoken, kind-hearted, and compassionate man who touched the lives of all who knew him. Words cannot express how greatly he will be missed by his daughters, son-in-law, sisters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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