James G Blackstock Jr

“Hey!!” James Garfield “Jim” Blackstock, Jr., of Jackson Township, Ohio, passed away on March 28, 2024. He was born in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio to the late James G. Blackstock Sr. and Virginia (Retzer) Blackstock.

Jim will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Sharon (Donahue) Blackstock; brothers, Bill and Bob Blackstock; sister, Sue (Bobby) Tyner; his sons Stefan (Denise) Blackstock, Bret (Melena) Blackstock; his stepsons Derek (Dawn) Zitko, Zachary (Joy) Zitko, his 14 grandchildren, and great grandson, along with his dogs and numerous extended family members and friends.

Jim, a proud veteran, served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he pursued a career as an Associate Professor of English at Stark State College. For nearly 30 years, he was a beloved teacher who made a lasting impact on his students and colleagues, engaging, mentoring and caring for students—the teaching part of being a teacher was never a job to him, but a passion and joy, and he inspired many.

As much as Jim enjoyed teaching, his family meant more to him. Jim loved nothing more than spending time playing and coaching his boys on the baseball diamond. Jim was also deeply involved in his community. He was a dedicated member of the City Church of Jackson/Canal Fulton. Also, he and Sharon enjoyed showing and training dogs after they retired. Jim had a love for reading and music, which brought him much joy throughout his life.

For most of you, “See me after class!” And the rest of you, “Pick one!”

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Monday April 22, 2024, 10am at the Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221, followed by interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, Ohio 44273.