My heart is broken as I write this. I lost my brother James Charles Blackinton, someone who meant so much to me, to his family, and to everyone who truly knew him. He was a quiet but powerful presence in our lives. A loving, caring man who didn’t need attention to make an impact. He showed his love through his actions—always willing to help, always giving what he could, even when it left him with less. That’s just who he was.


His daughters, Cheyenne and Ciara, were his world. The love he had for them was deep and constant, and that love extends to his son-in-law Dylan and his three grandchildren, who brought him so much pride and joy. Right now, our family is trying to navigate an unimaginable loss while also making sure we can give him the burial he deserves. I wanted to come alongside my nieces in asking for help—not to take anything away from them, but to support them during a time no family is ever prepared for.


We are raising funds to help cover funeral and burial expenses, and to ease some of the burden on Cheyenne and Ciara as they move forward without their dad. If you’re able to give, thank you. If not, your prayers, love, and sharing this mean just as much. He was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed. And he will never be forgotten.