James P. Blackwell, 81, of Bowling Green, Missouri, passed away on June 8, 2025, at Baptist Homes Tri-County in Vandalia, MO. He was an only child born on September 19, 1943, in Louisiana, MO, to James Benjamin and Lillian (Palmer) Blackwell. James attended the local schools and went on to attend Bradley University in Peoria, IL.

He was blessed with three children: Joshua, Amanda and Amy. James was a born salesman and had been employed by Bowling Green Equipment / Niemeyer Tractor for many years. James was united in marriage with Melanie Batisla-Ong on December 7, 2020. He enjoyed gun collecting, hunting, listening to country and blues music. James was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church and also the Knights of Columbus. His family describes him as "Outgoing, witty, charismatic, intelligent, had a great sense of humor, loved a good joke, and a family man." He was an animal lover and always had a dog to keep him company. James was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be sadly missed and long remembered by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Melanie Blackwell of Bowling Green, MO; his children, Joshua Blackwell of Columbia, MO, Amanda (Roger) Seeley of Elsberry, MO, and Amy (Mark) Berg of Peoria, IL;  four grandchildren (Ryan, Dylan, Abby, and Amelia), his good friends and neighbors (Tonya and Bennie Teasley), other relatives and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents.

A Private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Pike County Home Health and Hospice c/o McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 701 N. Business Hwy 61  - Bowling Green, 63334, 636-528-8244 .  Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.mccoyblossomfh.com