James Clifton Blackwell

James 'Clifton' Blackwell, 81, was called to his heavenly home Sunday afternoon, April 3, 2005. He was a native of Marion, North Carolina and had lived in Johnson City since 1928. He was a son of the late James L. and Bertha Ricker Blackwell. Clifton was a member of Cornerstone Church. He was a World War II veteran having served in the air transport command in the China-Burma-India theater of operations. He retired from Clinchfield Railroad Company after thirty-seven years of service. In addition to his parents, Clifton was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Martin Blackwell in 1996; a son, Alan Blackwell; and a sister, Marie Blackwell. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law Ron and Jo Ann Blackwell, Johnson City; a brother, Ray Blackwell, Johnson City; a sister, Ruby Jacobs, Orlando, Florida; a grandson, Lynn Blackwell, Johnson City; a nephew and several nieces. A funeral service for James Clifton Blackwell will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2005, at 7:00 PM from the Morris Baker North Chapel. Dr. Barry Burns will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 until 7:00 PM. Graveside committal services will be conducted on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 at 2:00 PM in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Friends and family are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:50 PM.