Reverend James Blackwell, PhD
Reverend James Blackwell, PhD, 83, of Beaumont, died Friday, April 4, 2025, at Beaumont Health Care Center, Beaumont. He was born on May 19, 1941, to Margie Ragsdale Blackwell and Ben Blackwell, in Visalia, California.
James was married to the love of his life, Carolyn, for over sixty-three years. Together, James and Carolyn raised a daughter, Tracy, whom he lovingly called Gretchen, and a son, Lile. He adored both and enjoyed any chance to talk about them to others. He also was blessed with two grandchildren, Camden and Brittany. He loved his family to the fullest and will be missed greatly.
He served in ministry for over sixty-two years with Carolyn at his side. During his time in ministry, he served at over six different churches. His last full-time ministry position was at South Park Baptist Church in Beaumont. While serving at South Park, he also taught Greek at Lamar University. James knew his Bible well and was well versed in English, Greek, Hebrew, and Cuneiform. After he retired from his ministry, he still had the need to serve others. He taught his Sunday School class at North End Baptist Church in Beaumont for thirteen years. He loved his class and its members. The class is called “Bold Not Old” and the members are going to miss his wisdom and knowledge tremendously.
James was a spiritual leader to many. He also knew where to go in the Bible to give the answer that was needed to comfort others. He led so many in their journey to salvation and was always there for anybody and everybody. He never met a stranger.
James also had great joy in telling stories of his childhood to others. He has been a guest speaker on many occasions and entertained to the fullest with these tales. He also enjoyed playing his Gretsch guitar and piano. He once was even able to play with Chet Atkins. Chet was very impressed with James and his skills on the guitar. He played at numerous nursing homes and many times at church. He lost his hearing in his later years and had to give up music.
James loved his wife and the many memories they made together. He loved traveling and fishing with her. James and Carolyn formed many friendships during the years, but one very special one was with Norma Williams. He loved to pick at her and tell her she was one letter short of being normal. His love for others will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Blackwell; children, Gordon Lile Blackwell and his wife, Kathleen, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Tracy Blackwell and her husband, Triton, of Tullahoma, Tennessee; grandchildren, Camden Lile Blackwell and Brittany Lanelle Blackwell; brother, Leroy Blackwell and his wife, Norma, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Martha Blackwell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald Blackwell.
Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Christmas Child through North End Baptist Church, 5115 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
A gathering of Dr. Blackwell’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at North End Baptist Church, 5115 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Gathering of Family and Friends
North End Baptist Church
- 5115, Eastex Fwy, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- April 8, 2025
- 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Funeral Service
North End Baptist Church
- 5115, Eastex Fwy, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- April 8, 2025
- 2:00 pm
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- April 8, 2025
Brother James Blackwell was the true meaning of the word pastor. Well after I moved away from South Park Baptist, I still sought his advice and considered him to be my spiritual advisor. He is already missed. My prayers go out to Sister Carolyn and the family. Take comfort in knowing that he’s going to be waiting for us when we are blessed enough to join him in Heaven. RIP Brother James.
Brother James meant so much to my family. Here is an example of how God used him. He was headed up to Huntsville prison to witness to a man on death row. Something told him he should make a stop in Conroe to see my mother Velma “Pete” Darden. Actually, Mom was on her deathbed with congestive heart failure. My wife Sherry and my daughters were gathered around her bed as fought to stay alive with each breath becoming more labored. Then Brother Blackwell entered the room and took charge, letting Mom know that it was alright to let go and join my Dad in heaven. Brother Blackwell also assured her that he would look after me and my family. She immediately relaxed. Brother Blackwell then nodded to me to take Mom’s hand and wish her a final good-bye. Mom opened her eyes and smiled before taking her final breath. What an uplifting experience! Of course, that was typical of Dr. James Blackwell. Bless his devoted wife Carolyn, Lile, Tracy and families in their time of need.
My sympathy and love to you Carolyn, and your family. Loved the friendship with the two of you. You, from our early years riding the school bus and school days at HHS and also the many years knowing your mother and dad. James, Well I became a friend with him through you and your visits to the HHS Reunion and then through our friendship on face book. etc.
Carolyn, May you find peace in the days to come. Love you, Ann.
The Church has lost a pillar!
James was one of, if not the best, pastor-teacher I ever knew. He had such a love for Scripture and opened many a dull eye to its truths and teachings, aided by his exhaustive knowledge of Middle Eastern languages. I’m the loser by not utilizing his gifts more than I did!
James and Carolyn were the finest example of Christian service detailed in ITim 3!
To Carolyn and family, Sue and me, as well as our brood will be praying for your every comfort and consolation during this time of separation. God is good and remains faithful!Blees you all!
In Christ Alone!
Big Jim Salles
I don’t know where to begin. There was never a finer man than Bro. James. I had the joy and privilege of serving on staff with Bro. James at South Park Baptist Church. He was there for me and my family through some very difficult times. He helped to bring the message of Jesus at several family member’s funerals. He was such a blessing in our lives. Thank you Bro. James and Carolyn for your love and friendship. He will be very missed. Praying for his precious family.
Carolyn, Lile, Tracy and families,
My family and I are sorry to hear of Bro. James passing. He was well loved by my family. I’m thankful for being a part of the SPBC family and the faithful teaching we were afforded by Bro. James.
Well done.
Judy Bertrand and family