James Blanscet

James “Jim” Ray Blanscet passed on June 16th quietly in his sleep surrounded by loving family.  Born June 24, 1946 in Paris, AR his family then moved to Missouri where he attended high school in Lee’s Summit.  Afterwards he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.  He enjoyed sports both as an active participant and a cheering fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and Kansas City Chiefs.

Jim married Patricia Lynn Burks on August 22, 1970 and had 2 beautiful children, Michael and Courtney.  They lived in North Little Rock where he worked as District Sales Manager for Ace Hardware, was a member of the NLR Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Realtors and enjoyed volunteering for Lakewood Association coaching in their youth soccer and baseball programs.  In 1978 Jim was very happy to open and manage his own retail business in Little Rock.

Jim was remarried to Lynne Rothman on July 1985 and added her 2 wonderful children, Josh and Alicia to his blended family, also grandkids; Chelsey, Jacob, Elaina and Liam with 3 great grandchildren.  In 1985 he joined the proactive sales team for the newly opened business of Johnny Burnett Pools and Spas.  His exceptional sales abilities and devoted loyalty led him to sales manager position with Aloha Pools and Spas from where he retired at age 70.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Gerald Edward and Beulah Mae Blanscet.  He is survived by his son, Michael Blanscet (Jennifer) and daughter Courtney Green; his brother Randy Blanscet (Teresa); two sisters Cheryl Blanscet (Joyce) and Brenda Countryman (Tom) along with four grandchildren (Caroline, Julia, Tyler and Lauren) and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim clearly loved to see others laugh and had a true gift to see the funny side of things to make that happen.  He will be remembered for many attributes.  His love and care of family and friends.  Most of all his sense of humor be it from his entertaining stories, joking around, crazy made up names or sharing of dry wit that suddenly gripped you with a belly full of laughter and made the world a brighter place.

Visitation is Saturday, June 22nd 1:00pm, with memorial service to follow at 2:00pm at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home, 7700 Hwy 107, Sherwood, AR.