Clyde James Blanchard, Jr.

ROCKY MOUNT - Clyde James (Jim) Blanchard, Jr. died peacefully Friday, August 21, 2020. He was born in Elizabeth City, NC on November 7, 1928, the son of the late Clyde James Blanchard, Sr. and Rochelle McLeod Blanchard. The family moved to Rocky Mount when Jim was five and he was a happy camper forever after. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and had many happy memories of Troop 7 and Scoutmaster Vernon Sechriest. He graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High and along with buddies followed the yellow brick road to Chapel Hill. After a year, he decided he needed some time off and joined the Army. Following basic training, Jim was shipped to Korea where he was wounded. He received the Purple Heart and was sent home. Upon his return to Rocky Mount, he re-enrolled at UNC and graduated. He took post-graduate work at Charlotte Memorial Hospital and became a hospital administrator. He later became the administrator at Woodard Herring Hospital in Wilson, NC. During this time - much to his chagrin - he fell in love with a "Dookie". He and Pat Waller were married in the Duke University Chapel on September 14, 1957. While in Wilson, he was involved in many civic endeavors and was president of the Wilson Jaycees. The couple moved to Greensboro, NC in 1964 where Jim became administrator of the Evergreens Nursing Home. In the summer of 1976, he was invited to come to Rocky Mount and become part of the Guardian Corporation. He didn't waste much time in accepting the offer. He was with Guardian until it was sold in 1980. He and his son, Dan, purchased and operated a ServiceMaster franchise for 20 years. He loved being in Rocky Mount and able to serve First Presbyterian as a deacon and elder. He was a member of Kiwanis and served as president. Jim was a founding board member of Covenant Homes and was instrumental in developing the project. He and Pat had three rambunctious children who grew into wonderful, responsible adults, who blessed them with six even more wonderful grandchildren. His survivors are wife of 62 years, Pat, son Dan (Jennifer), daughters Neely Barnhardt (Rick) and Susan Finlay (Brian). His grandchildren are Hunter (Schay and their precious daughter, Joan Walden), Christopher and Cameron Barnhardt, Kathryn Blanchard, Lauren and Ben Finlay, his sister, Anne Wilgus Podesta, numerous beloved nieces and nephews, and dear friends Randy and Linda Evans and their children Alyson and "Tripp". A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at First Presbyterian Church, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. In lieu of flowers donations to The Blanchard Family Scholarship Fund at Nash Community College, 522 North Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 would be appreciated. Jim felt blessed to be able to help some young people on their life's journey. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Service A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at First Presbyterian Church, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.