Obituary of James Franklin Blackledge

Jim Blackledge: A Celebration of Life

James Franklin Blackledge “Jim” as he always preferred to be called, passed into the light on January 27, 2022 at the young age of 72. He was surrounded by the love of his life, good guitar music, and close family and friends. Jim is preceded by his loving wife Lynn Blackledge, his compassionate son Mark Blackledge, and his kindhearted sister, Janice Ledgerwood.

Jim was born on January 18, 1950 to James Patterson Blackledge and Martha Jean Blackledge in Denver, Colorado. He was a happy child who loved to build things, draw, paint, and work on cars. He played and toured across Colorado as a drummer in a rock band during and after high school. Jim was always very popular and loved by everyone. He always had a lively and outgoing nature, which captured the whole-hearted interest of everyone he met.

Jim married the love of his life, Lynn Blackledge, on July 22, 1972. The two had a loving and supportive courtship that never ended. Their fantasy love story and caring partnership have deeply inspired all who have known or spent time with them together.

It was the support of his wife and Jim’s positive, outgoing nature that helped him thrive as a popular and successful Architect working in Colorado. He loved designing, building, and drawing commercial and residential structures as well as painting furniture and canvases with as many bright colors as he could imagine.

Jim truly made the world a better place. He would befriend many people over the years and inspire countless colleagues to be positive, enjoy life, and always choose family and love. He reminded everyone to look for the small things that made life worth living. Jim had a heart of gold; our loss on this earth is heaven’s gain. Our lives will continue to be blessed by the memories of his bright eyes and smile, his welcoming heart, and his artwork, architecture, and acoustic guitar playing.

Jim’s life will be celebrated and an interment of ashes will be held at 11:30 a.m on Friday, March 4, 2022 at Fort Logan National Cemetery located at 3698 South Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80235. There will be a reception to celebrate and remember his life following the memorial service at the Blackledge residence.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association at www.Heart.org along with the note: “In Loving Memory of Jim Blackledge.” Condolences to the family and fond remembrances may be shared online: www.allveterans.com.