James Thomas Blazzard

James Thomas, J.T., Blazzard, 85, was born April 13, 1928, to Eunie Mae Musick and Thomas Gill Blazzard, in St. George, Utah, April 13, 1928. He returned to his Father in Heaven and again kissed his eternal sweetheart, Sept. 19, 2013. He was a noble knight in shining armor and a quiet giant among men. J.T. received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education then taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grade for over 30 years at Park Village/Robert Taylor Elementary School in Henderson. Many former students have expressed their deep admiration for the lessons he taught and amazement at how very fast Mr. Blazzard could run! They'd say, "Never underestimate him on the playground because he'll be the one smiling at the finish line, waiting for you." Patriotism and an unwavering love for his country led J.T. to serve and be honorably discharged as a veteran of World War II, Occupation Forces in Japan, achieving the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Army. While serving in the armed forces, he was awarded a special commendation for saving a high ranking general by detecting and disposing of an unexploded bomb in his office. J.T. served two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one in the Hawaii Central Pacific mission as a young man and a family history mission with his wife in Midland-Odessa, Texas. He was an active church member who held many callings, including working with then Stake President James I. Gibson to establish the inaugural Lake Mead Stake of Zion. J.T. loved his Savior Jesus Christ, honored his priesthood and willingly served anyone he met. He was a noble father who showed his sons and daughters how to love by valuing their mother. One of J.T.'s grandsons summed up the life of this amazing man best by saying, "My grandpa was one of the most honorable men I knew. If I can finish my life even half as well, I'll consider myself a blessed man." J.T. was preceded in death by his wife, of 56 years, Barbara Hall Blazzard. He is survived by his seven children, Dale, Karen Martinez, Elaine Wolford (Allen), James Thomas Jr. (Maya), Kent (Toni), Arlene Whitney (John) and Ella Blazzard; 25 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Monday Sept. 30, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cholla Chapel, 303 S. Cholla St., Henderson. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. Military honors and burial will be at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Boulder City.

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