J. C. Blanchard, 72, of Batesville, departed this life on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Batesville. He was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on July 7, 1953, to J. C. Blanchard, Sr. and Lona Mae Burns Blanchard.
J. C. served our country in the United States Navy during Desert Storm and had a great love for our country and the American flag. After his retirement, he enjoyed doing odd jobs and piddling. His favorite pastime, though, was being with his family. J.C. most enjoyed baking in the kitchen with his precious granddaughter Piper, playing Yahtzee on family game night and his fur babies. He enjoyed fishing, crafting, watching old westerns and a good BBQ with classic rock music on a hot summer day. J.C. was a collector of eagles.
He and Sharon Blanchard were married on June 20, 1992, in Melbourne, and enjoyed over thirty-two years of marriage until her death in 2024.
His children survive J.C., Angel Edwards (Danny) of Batesville, Michael Ray of San Diego, California, Andy Tidwell (Madelyn) of Marked Tree and Candi Graper (AJ) of Paragould; his brothers, Bill Blanchard, of Harrisburg, Carl Blanchard, of Scott, Ray (Rose) Blanchard, of Harrisburg, Winston (Gretta) Blanchard, of Hardy, Cleveland Blanchard, of West Memphis, Byrd (Rachel) Blanchard, of Coloma, Michigan, and Roger (Denida) Blanchard, of Watervliet, Michigan; his sisters, Wilma Hardy Pearson, of Blackfoot, Idaho, Lydia Smith, of Weiner, Leota Birdsong, of Pine Bluff, Darla Cole, of Niles, Michigan, and Sandra (David) Bloch, of Jonesboro; half brothers, Jack (Lesa) Blanchard, of Branson, Missouri, and Jeff (Dea) Blanchard, of Heber Springs; half sisters, Virginia )Philip) Rafferty, of Hollister, Missouri, Tracy (Brian) Bradberry, of Branson, Missouri, and June Bauman, of Joy; his grandchildren, Piper, Shianne, Hannah, Paisley and Josh; several nieces; nephews; and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his parents; step-mother, Shirley Holt Blanchard; sister, Vanda Ann Blanchard; and brother, John Blanchard.
The family will hold private services.
