Obituary
James (Jim) Blankenship
James (Jim) Blankenship, 73, of La Crosse, passed away in the hospital on December 2, 2020.
Jim was born in La Crosse on October 10, 1947 to Janice and Joe Blankenship. He graduated from Logan High School in 1965 and spent most of his career at G. Heileman, and later City Brewery, with a total of 44 years of Teamster seniority.
Jim took time away from the brewery to serve in the Air Force from 1966-1970; with overseas assignments in Okinawa, and England, along with serving stateside at Bergstrom Air Force base in Austin, Texas. While stationed in Japan, he was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in the local culture by taking karate lessons. Although you wouldn’t have guessed it about him, Jim maintains that he earned a black belt while overseas. It’s hard to know if he may have ‘won’ that honor/title during a game of cards (he was an avid card player), or if he actually earned it with sweat and grit in the dojo; yet needless to say, he had the certificates to prove it. Jim had a great sense of humor and ability to laugh at himself (and others!) in a way that was contagious and endearing.
Jim loved sports. In addition to playing cards, and his brief stint with karate, he was also an avid bowler, golfer and die-hard fan. Jim took up golfing in high school and was a lifelong member of the Coulee, enjoying Wednesday night men’s club, and later golfed as a member of the senior citizen’s league. As a bowler, he was happy to have achieved the 300 game, although the hole-in-one on the golf course eluded him—yet not for lack of trying! In addition to following state, national and international sports, yowling or texting with family and friends during Packers, Brewers, Bucky games, soccer matches, etc.; he enjoyed cheering on the younger generation at the local level, and of course the company of friends on summer nights watching the Loggers.
Jim felt very lucky to have enjoyed many lifelong friendships from the bowling alley to the golf course to the brewery to the military to his neighbors and family; and he felt especially lucky to travel and explore the world and share time with his longtime loyal companion, Penny Cardona, and her family. Jim is survived by his sister, Karen (Rod) Soffa, nieces, nephews, cousins; as well as his two doting children, Brady and Gina, born of his marriage to Dianne Straate of Waukon, IA.
Jim died of complications due to his respiratory condition and covid. He and his loved ones are grateful for the care he received at Gundersen through his death, as family and friends could not be with him.
A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.
We are saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I grew up four houses down from the Blankenships and have fond memories of Jim playing ball and horsing around in the neighborhood. He loved doing practical jokes on my dad, PeeWee. Bob remembers many conversations at the Coulee. The world lost a heck of a guy. Shirley and Bob Newberry
I am so sorry to hear of Jims death. Jim was a good guy. I went to Logan and that is where I met Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends. Lynette Schaller Neumann
Our deepest sympathies to Brady, Gina, Karen and Penny for your loss. Jim was a good friend of ours and we will miss him. Always enjoyed our many rounds of golf, bowling, playing cards and get together. Always a good time. Rest In Peace.
Have had many great moments with Jim! He will be greatly missed
I had the pleasure of living in the same Condo’s that Jim did. He taught us all many card games. We also watched many Football games as a group. Jim will be truly missed by all at Old North Port Condo’s.
First met Jimmy in 7th grade at Logan Jr. High. Then became close friends thru bowling in the junior league at Sports Bowl. Throughout the years at Logan, I can honestly say he was the most well-liked person in our class. Still kept in contact with Jim until last week through texts and phone calls. He was a special guy and will be missed by all.
Jim persuaded me to enlist in the U.S. Air Force with him back in 1966. On October 25th, we both boarded a plane bound for Amarillo, TX to begin our 6 weeks of basic training. I owe most of my post good fortune in life to that one fateful decision to enlist. Thanks, Jim.
I am so sad to hear the passing of a very dear friend. I cut his hair for many, many years and am a friend of Penny’s. Prayers to you and your family. He was a wonderful person and I will miss his humor.
The man was loved!
So sorry to hear that Jim passed, he was a classmate, a good friend, and a fellow veteran. We worked together, and retired together from the brewery.
Jimmy: I still have all the tape you did of the Sixties music. No one had a better personality. I can still hear your laugh ! You will be missed …. pp
Sorry to hear about Jim’s passing.Played many rounds of golf with him.
RIP my friend.
I bet you and Lenny Dunwoody have been golfing every day??
So sorry to hear Gina, my sympathy to you and Brady. Worked and golfed with your dad often. He will be missed
This was so sad to hear of another classmate passing away! I will always remember Jim with a SMILE on his face. RIP, Jim.
I was totally surprised. Jimmy and I washed tanks together at the brewery and we were always up to something and usually not too favorable. Condolences to Brady and Gina . I was still sending him e-mails . That’s pretty much all the corresponding I did since I moved to Cashton you’re in my prayers Jimmy
I was totally surprised. Jimmy and I washed tanks together at the brewery and we were always up to something and usually not too favorable. Condolences to Brady and Gina . I was still sending him e-mails . That’s pretty much all the corresponding I did since I moved to Cashton you’re in my prayers Jimmy Sully
I was informed by a friend of Jim’s when he went into the hospital. I was able to message with him that day. I met Jim when my family moved to La Crosse. We were classmates & we were confirmed at Trinity. He was always so much fun to be around. We even went to see the Beatles with other friends. I am sending my deepest sympathies & prayers to his family.His presence will be missed by many.
So sorry about Jim’s passing! We had just recently reconnected after many years. Will miss your humor among other things. Peace and serenity to you cousin.
So sorry to hear of Jimmies passing. He was always a fun guy to meet up with-last time was at Fipside. Proud to have worked with him as part of the GHB family and telling stories of our time in the military. RIP my friend.
Jim, my Spanish class buddy. You will be missed greatly. Thanks for being my friend all these years. Rest in peace my friend.
So Sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. Jim and I grew up and went through our north side school years together and graduated from Logan class of 1965. He was so much fun and what a ham, always able to tell a funny story. Your smile will be missed along with your emails.
Our thoughts are with you Karen, Penny and Family.
It’s always sad when we lose our classmates and good friends.
So very sorry to hear that my dear friend Jim has passed away. Jim and I met while in the Air Force back in 1968 and have remained good friends ever since. He was a great guy and friend. Had wonderful times visiting each other in WI, TX and SC. He had two wonderful children – Brady and Gina – who can take comfort know that Jim in now at peace.
So sorry for you’re loss…Jim was a great union brother at G. Heileman Brewery, always had a smile, and always was a tad of a prankster at work….In other words, he fit in perfectly..We brewery workers had a special bond, and it truly was an amazing experience, and is sad now to see these folks passing….Godspeed, Jim!
My sympathy to Jim’s family. He was a coworker, and a very good friend. He will be missed. RIP Jim.
Jim was a friend for many decades and he will be missed by many, R.I.P. Jim.
Gina and Brady our condolences. He was a fun guy to be around. He will be missed. RIP Jim.
Very sorry to hear Jim passed away! Jim and I were good friends through grade school and high school! Worked together at Hardee’s and the brewery! Jim was always a lot of fun! He will be missed!
My condolences to Jimmies family and many friends. So saddened to hear Jimmie had pasted. We were classmates at Logan Middle and Senior HS. I remember his fantastic positive personality and the constant smile he bore. Very glad to have known him through those years.
Had a standing tee time with Jim and Dunwoody at Cedar 25 years ago. Jim always had a story to tell. Jim was a fun guy to be around. RIP Jim
Heart dropped when I heard of Jim’s passing. We were life long friends.Bowling teammates, and I was thrilled watching Jim throw his 300 in the Sundowner league at his favorite hangout CGB. Sad day when brances break off the tree of life. I extend my sincerest sympathy to his friends, and family. Even though I wasn’t in Jim’s class I
always appreciated him inviting me to the logan class of 65 reunions. Thanks Jim for all the great memories.
You have our condolences Gina and Brady. Our deepest sympathies to both of you.
Whether at the golf course or bowling alley, Jim’s warm smile and infectious laugh made it a special occasion. He certainly touched the hearts of so many individuals and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and special friends.
So sad to lose yet another classmate so soon! I will always remember Jim–his smile, his laugh, his great sense of humor–he was always fun to be around. RIP dear Jim!
I am very sorry to hear that another fellow brewery and veteran brother has passed. Jim was a one of the good ones, I never saw him without a smile, miss you Jim.
“Blanky” was a super guy and a French Islander in the early sixties. He was omnipresent, fun and didn’t mince words. Was fortunate to get many E mails from him, always humor connected. He will be missed.
We were so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We went to middle school and high school together. When we lived in Myrtle Beach, Ed and I enjoyed his visits. Had alot of fun together for many years. Ed will miss his daily emails. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sue and Ed Riley.
rest in peace Jim. i will miss the golfing and bowling times we had togetherand all those years working at the brewery. My condolences to your family. Afriend jack glennie
So sad to hear of another brewery co-worker passing on. Our prayer’s are with your family. I was fortunate enough to get a few rounds of golf in with Jim and a couple adult beverages at the 19th. RIP.
Jimmy was a ball of energy, always with a smile or a joke and he will be missed by many.
This is Gina, Jim’s daughter.
My heart is bursting reading everyone’s messages.
Thank you all for sharing your memories, and condolences.
This means so much.
Family are laying Dad to rest this afternoon at the cemetery; there’ll be a military salute and Amazing Grace on bagpipes to close. I think Dad would enjoy that. He will be loved deeply forever, even though sometimes he was a pain in the ass. LOL. He was ours!
You will all be with us in spirit
Condolences to the Blankenship family. My heart dropped when Ron Hemker told me about Jim’s passing. Last time I saw Jim was at the Coulee , he had just finished a round of golf ⛳ with B.J. and Al . We all shared some great bowling times together also. I also was Bowling with Jim the night he had his 300 in the Sundowner league at the Coulee. He was one happy n excited bowler(smile cheek to cheek). Thanks Jim for always including me in your class reunions, even though I didn’t graduate with your class. Sad to witness the branches of life break away from the tree of life. Jim thanks for some awesome memories. YOU ARE MISSED.
sad to hear of your passing friend, you were my eyes and ears in lacrosse, keeping me informed about fellow grads from logan. greatly enjoyed our golf together, tho it was never enough. will miss you. my condolences to the family
This was very sad news. Jim’s last E-mail to me read; I am laying in bed @ Gunderson Lutheran Hospital with Covid. The next 3-5 days will be critical for me. Prayers are welcome. Jim and I were confirmed together at Trinity Lutheran. My wife, Mary Jane (Francksen) and I prayed earnestly for Jim. Our deepest sympathy to family and the many that will miss him. RIP Jim
From the first days on French Island …to the last Logan High School reunion, Jim was a true friend to all. Our sympathy to the family…and to all who mourn his passing…as we do. Larry and Luana (Steele) Freng
I am one of two in the unit in Okinawa with Jim that are left. could Jim’s children get a hold of me?
Gina, please write me.