James McCoy Blanchard left to be with our Lord on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018. James was a retired employee of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he was employed as a welder’s instructor and general trades administrator of Shop 26.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 52 years, Barbara Jean; three sons, Kenneth V. Blanchard (Karen), of Upper Marlboro, Md., Kevin L. Blanchard (Susan), of Portsmouth, and Tony K. Blanchard, of New York, N.Y.; three sisters, Dr. Rose Cooper (Willie), of Suffolk, Gale Artis, of Maryland, and Ernestine Skyes, of Suffolk; two brothers, Johnnie Turner (Jackie), of Suffolk, and Pernell Turner (Hattie), of Falls Church; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, at Laurel Hill United Church of Christ. He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, at the funeral home. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.