James R. Blankenship, 64, Owned & Operated Shoreway Motel

Mr. Blankenship was born in Lodi on August 16, 1949, the son of the late Harold M. and Ruth J. (nee James) Blankenship. He graduated from the North Ridgeville High School and then graduated from barber college.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam War. He was a member and past commander of the American Legion Post 30, member of the VFW Post 451 and a member of the Amvets Post 47. He was also a member of the Lake Erie Moose Lodge # 552, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Croation Club.

Mr. Blankenship owned and operated the Shoreway Motel in Lorain.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, and traveling.

Mr. Blankenship is survived by his wife of 32 years, Beverly J. (nee Molnar) Blankenship, daughters Brandy (John) Briggs, of Lancaster, PA, April M O'Connor of Lorain, sons Shane R. (Nickie) Blankenship of Wellington, Brook (Christina) Blankenship of Elyria, Kristofer L Jarvis of North Ridgeville, many grandchildren, sisters Rebecca (Oliver) Lutz of Lancaster, Judy Elsten of Amherst, Donna (Douglas) White of Columbus, Cindy Blankenship of Amherst and numerous other loving family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Lana Dee Gascoigne and brother Tony Blankenship.

Friends may call at the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain on Friday, March 7, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until services beginning at 6:30 p.m.with a memorial by the Moose Lodge, followed by Closing Military Prayers.

Burial will be on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Rittman, Ohio with full military honors.

The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foriegn Wars, Post 451, 4562 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44053

Online condolences at www.boyercool.com.