James Loyd Blackwell

James Loyd Blackwell, Walton County resident, died March 17, 2026, at the age of 82.  He was born on January 2, 1944, to the late Joe and Audie Blackwell in Jasper, Georgia.  A kind, gentle soul and devoted family man, James will be remembered for his generous and selfless nature, always placing the needs of others ahead of his own.

He was a skilled carpenter and owned and operated a construction business. His remarkable ability to bring life to wood was evident in every piece he created or every project he completed. Additionally, he was a talented string musician, playing the guitar, mandolin, and banjo, and could surprisingly play them just as well behind his neck!  He loved gospel singing and spending time watching classic Westerns like Bonanza and Gunsmoke. James and his son, Ramon, with whom he shared a special bond, always enjoyed good-natured picking and joking with each other. He lived a humble, down-to-earth life and was truly a blessing to all who knew him, especially his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, J.B. Blackwell; and sister, Joyce Merrell.  He is survived by his large loving family made up of his children, Brenda Flannery (Lee), Regina Reid (Jody), Scotty Blackwell (Angel Brown), Lisa Flanigan (Henry), James Ramon Blackwell; 13 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Jaunita Ramey, Mamie Singleton; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A funeral service will be held 2 o'clock, Saturday, March 21, in the chapel of Henry Funeral Home, Lithonia, with Rev. Larry Carter officiating and interment following in the Carter Memorial Cemetery, Loganville.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home two hours prior to the service on Saturday, from 12-2 PM.