James Blankenship

James E. Blankenship, age 78 of Mulberry Grove, passed away at his home Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Funeral 12:00 Noon Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home in Greenville. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Donnell - Wiegand Funeral Home in Greenville. Burial in Mulberry Grove Cemetery with full military honors the American Legion, Mulberry Grove and Bond County Veterans. Memorials in lieu of flowers, plants, and gifts to Mulberry Grove American Legion, Bond County Humane Society, or the family. Gifts to the family may be made online www.donnellwiegand.com under the Tribute Fund tab.

James, know better as “SWIFTY”, was born May 22, 1947, in Greenville, Illinois. Son to Jesse Austin and Vada Mae Josephine Durr Blankenship. He attended the public schools and graduated from Mulberry Grove High School with the Class of 1965.

Swifty was drafted into the United States Army, entering service on September 13, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri. Swifty faithfully served our country and was honorably discharged on September 6, 1972. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Swifty continued to stay active in local veterans’ activities, including American Legion Post #1180 Mulberry Grove, Illinois.

James and Sharon Geisler were united in marriage on June 19, 1970. They are the parents of Kelly Grohler, who survives. James and Sharon divorced in 2018. He married Karen Matthews and they later divorced, surviving is a step-daughter Ashley and Jerrell White, step-son Josh Nicholidas. On January 12, 2024, Beverly K. Borror Nelson and Swifty were united in marriage, and she survives and a stepdaughter Shawna Nelson. He is also survived by his mother Vada and his much loved, spoiled dog Toby.

Swifty stared his work career by hauling grain for Albert Willis. He then worked for Cassens Transportation most of his life. He also worked for Granite City Steel Mill, hauling steel for a few years and then always loved mechanical work and retired doing that. Swifty was a member of the First Christian Church in Mulberry Grove. He faithfully served on the Mulberry Grove City Board for over 30 years. He was the proud owner of a 1968 Camaro RS/SS that he had restored and took to local car shows and enjoyed cruising in.

Donnell–Wiegand Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements. Memories, pictures, and condolences may be shared online www.donnellwiegand.com.

Obit Provided By:
Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home