Jack Dean Blades

October 11, 1932 - September 28, 2018

Jack D. Blades, age 85, of West Frankfort, IL, passed away peacefully at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2018, at his home. He was born on Tuesday, October 11, 1932, northeast of Johnston City, IL near Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Williamson County, the son of George A. and Marie (Kane) Blades. Jack answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army during the time of the Korean War as an ambulance driver with a Mash Medic Unit. After his period of faithful service he was discharged with the rank of Private First Class. He was united in marriage to Frances J. Hodgson on Saturday, October 25, 1952, in the Glad Tidings Church in Thompsonville, IL and together they shared over 65 years of marriage until her death on Thursday, November 30, 2017. Jack and Frances owned and operated Blades Bakery in West Frankfort for 33 years until they decided to close the bakery. After that he went to work for Dixie Cream Bakery in West Frankfort as one of their delivery drivers for many years until his retirement at the age of 82. He was a member of the United Pentecostal Church of Johnston City, IL, where he was actively involved. Early in his lifetime he enjoyed camping with his family, hunting and fishing. He will most be remembered for his love of music, especially bluegrass music. He played in many bluegrass groups of the area at churches and festivals. He was an excellent mandolin player but also enjoyed playing the guitar, banjo and electric guitar. The many times he got together with his bluegrass friends were special to him. His family was a very important part of his life. He enjoyed the times they all got together and was always interested in all of their many activities, especially those of his grandchildren. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his daughter, Sandy Blades of Dallas, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Lora Blades of West Frankfort; two grandchildren, Ashley Perry and husband Jeromey of the Lake of the Ozarks, MO and Tyler Blades and fiancé, Jessica Rodenhofer of Benton, IL; four great-grandchildren, Shaylyn C. Perry, Jerison S. Perry, Ellyana Blades and Devan Furlow; two sisters and brother-in-law, Lu Tefertiller and Ruth Ann and Jerry Spears all of West Frankfort; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Jane Blades and Johnnie Martha Blades both of West Frankfort, brother-in-law, Waldo Cogdill of West Frankfort; special bluegrass cousin, Jim Rotramel and his wife Glenda of West Frankfort, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; five brothers, Stanley, Oakley, Lindell, Donald and John D. Blades and two sisters, Mary Ellen Carlson and Emma Elizabeth Cogdill. Arrangements for Jack D. Blades were entrusted to Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar St., West Frankfort, IL. The time of visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2nd at the funeral home. During the visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute was presented to the family and friends and featured special people, places, and events of Jack’s life. Special live bluegrass music presented throughout the visitation was by Jim Rotramel, Glenda Shew, Terry Conner, Paul Russell, and Scot Brotherton. The visitation resumed on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the United Pentecostal Church, located at 1101 West 10th Street in Johnston City, IL. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Michael Glasco, Rev. Brandon Abernathy, Rev. Cecil Sullivan and Rev. Jeromey Perry presiding. Special vocal musical selection starting the service was “That’s What Jesus Does” by Jack’s granddaughter, Ashley Perry, who accompanied herself on the piano, also accompanied by Jack’s son, Michael, on the organ. Special recorded vocal musical selections presented during the service were “Voices From the Other Side” by Phillips, Craig, and Dean, “Home” by Chris Tomlin, and “Are You Washed in the Blood” by Scot Brotherton featuring Jack on the mandolin. The postlude musical selections were recorded bluegrass selections featuring Jack on the mandolin. Interment followed next to his wife in County Line Cemetery located south of Thompsonville, IL. Those serving as pallbearers were Eddie Blades, Tyler Blades, Jeromey Perry, Andy Heibner, David Heibner, and Scot Brotherton. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of the American Legion Post No. 1961 of Orient and American Legion Post No. 177 of Zeigler and members of the Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail. Members of the National Guard Funeral Honors Detail were Private First Class Drury and Private First Class Doty. Presentation of the folded flag to Michael was by Private First Class Doty. Followinng the graveside committal service at the cemetery, family and friends gathered back at the United Pentecostal Church for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Landmark Apostolic Church” of Osage Beach, MO and mailed in care of Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar St., West Frankfort, IL 62896. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home and the church. Those needing additional information may contact the funeral home by calling 618-932-2161.