James (Jim) L. Blackburn passed away in his home surrounded by family in Kuna, Idaho on Saturday, June 17, 2017. He was 63 years old. He is survived by his wife Kathy, and two of his children, Rachel (David), Mike (Celeste), and three grandchildren, Charity, McKenzie, and Mitchel. He was preceded in death by his son, Tim Blackburn and parents, Jim and Della Blackburn.
Jim was born in Ontario, Oregon on July 7, 1953 as the fourth child of Jim and Della Blackburn. The family grew up in Willow Creek, Oregon farming the land and custom feeding cattle. Jim worked outdoors from an early age. At age 7 or 8 he started driving tractors and trailers. He never wanted to stop working and having fun on the farm. He would even work sick or injured.
At the age of 16 he was introduced to his wife, Kathryn (Kathy) at a football game. They hit things off immediately and found many common interests. They attended many school dances together and enjoyed their time “growing up” together.
Jim attended Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie, Wyoming after high school to obtain his mechanical engineer degree. He worked hard and obtained his diesel mechanic certificate.
Jim and Kathy were married on June 9, 1973 in the Grace Lutheran Church in Vale, Oregon. Jim and Kathy were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple on September 6, 1974 for time and all eternity.
Jim had a passion for the Boy Scouts of America and was an avid scouter. He was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed being a scout leader. He would often take the scouts to the mountains to camp and around Christmastime they would hold their annual fundraiser of cutting down Christmas trees.
Jim went back to school to Eastern Oregon University to obtain his CPA license. He quickly learned he did not want to become an auditor and instead taught himself how to become a computer programmer. In 1989 he started working with a software company in Eagle, Idaho, that proved to be a successful, thriving company across the United States.
Jim lived as a loving husband, father, and papa. Jim, Dad, Papa, you will be missed until we meet again.
Funeral Service will be held at the LDS Chapel in Kuna, Idaho Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11:00 am. Viewing for family and friends begins at 10:00 am. Burial to follow at Valley View Cemetery in Vale, Oregon at 4:00 pm.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.Haren-Wood.com