James Allen Blackstock

James Allen Blackstock was unexpectedly called home by his Lord on January 17, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Dr. Cecilia Blackstock of Clute, Tx, and his infant daughter Rebecca Blackstock. James is survived by his wife of more than 46 years Patricia, sons Geoffrey and his wife Candace, Will and his wife Lindsey, and John. Additionally, James is survived by his grandsons Austin Blackstock, Westleigh Blackstock, Samuel Zarate, and granddaughters Sofia Zarate and Addison Blackstock. Born in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1947 the Blackstock's would ultimately settle in Freeport in the early 1950s. Following his 1965 graduation from Brazosport High School, James attended Baylor University, where he worked for four years as a student athletic trainer, graduating with a Degree in English and History in 1969. After graduation from Baylor, James enlisted with the United States Marine Corps, and was selected for Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he briefly taught English at Brazosport High School. James would later earn a law degree from Baylor Law School in 1974. After passing his Texas Bar Exam, James went to work for attorney Ralph Gilbert in Angleton, Tx, followed by several years as an Assistant District Attorney and felony prosecutor with the Brazoria County District Attorney's Office, eventually establishing his own private practice as a partner in the firm of Williams, Mingarelli, and Blackstock. In 1986 Angleton attorney James Blackstock became Judge James Blackstock following his election to the newly created Brazoria County Court at Law #3, where he served Brazoria County until his retirement from the bench in 2008. Public service was a lifelong point of pride for James, as was evidenced by his involvement with numerous organizations throughout his life. A desire to serve and help others was a central pillar of belief for James, often saying simply "If you can help, you should." During his life he served as a Reserve Patrolman for the Angleton Police Department, was a founder of the Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps, a lifetime member of the Brazoria County Fair Association, a national officer for the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, a board member with the Angleton Little League, and numerous other local, state, and national organizations, as well as being an eager judge for many BBQ cook-offs. James, along with Patricia, joined the First Baptist Church of Angleton in 1975, and was an involved and active member until his passing. With First Baptist Angleton, James served on numerous church committees, worked with the TV Ministry, and frequently led a Sunday School class that affectionately referred to themselves as "The Kitchen Class". His Christian faith was a source of strength and pride for James. Second only to his Christian faith, was James's pride for his family. He could talk at length about the accomplishments of his father Harry during World War II, including the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and about his mother Cecilia, who served as an Education Advisor to President Carter. He was also quick to brag on his three sons, despite their collective attempts to drive him certifiably crazy throughout the years, and could be counted on to share their latest successes with anyone who would stand still long enough to listen. James was the most excited about his grandchildren, whether it was an upcoming trip to Alabama to watch Austin in a baseball or football game, playing in the backyard pool or watching Westleigh in Upwards basketball games, dance recitals and Angleton Christian School productions with Sofia, t-ball games and Angleton Christian School productions with Sam, and sneaking snacks to Addison while reading to her and showing her how to make different faces. James, who was known by his grandchildren as "Pops", built his days and weeks around their activities, and rarely missed any. His single greatest love however was for Patricia, who he said was the center of his universe, and cut from an uncommon cloth. For more than 46 years they enjoyed travelling together, eating and cooking new foods, occasionally contentious games of Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, or 42 dominoes, and the sharing of good books. It was of Patricia that he bragged most of all. "To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson A visitation will be held at Palm's Funeral Home in Angleton, Tx on Saturday January 21st from4:00-6:00pm. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Angleton on Sunday January 22nd beginning at 2:00pm. The Blackstock Family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, that you make a donation to First Baptist Church of Angleton, or the Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps. Pallbearers are Frank Johnson, Emmett Funderburk, Larry Hatthorn, Leonard "Doc" Venhaus, Joe Ware, Joe Alvarado, Greg Donnell, and Blaine Chesser. Honorary Pallbearers are Geoffrey Blackstock, Will Blackstock, John Blackstock, Austin Blackstock, Westleigh Blackstock, David Dagley, Coleman Dagley, Steve Walker, Neil Caldwell, Jack Gray, Mike Echavarria, Denny Reed, and the men of the Sunday Morning Kitchen Class at First Baptist Church of Angleton. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of James Allen Blackstock, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Saturday, January 21st, 2017 4:00pm - 6:00pm, Palms Funeral Home 2300 E. Mulberry Angleton, TX 77515 Service Information Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 2:00pm