Mr. James Richard Blanton, age 89, a resident of 115 Trent Lane, Cypress Landing, Chocowinity, N.C., died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, at Ridgewood Manor Rehabilitation Center in Washington, N.C.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at the Bay Club in Cypress Landing, Chocowinity, N.C.

Mr. Blanton was born July 8, 1922, in Richmond, Va., the son of the late Cecil Willis Blanton and Rose Bannister Blanton. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II in which he was active in Japan and also the European theater; he was honored as a recipient of the Bronze Star. In 1949, he married Virginia Martin who preceded him in death on April 27, 1975. Mr. Blanton worked with the state of Virginia and retired as director of purchasing for Virginia Commonwealth University after 30 years of service.

He is survived by a son, James R Blanton Jr., and wife Louise Wray Blanton of Blount’s Creek, N.C.;  two very special people, the twin daughters he never had, Emily Hathaway of Belchertown, Mass., and Diane Freeman of Ashland, Va.; and his loving caregiver Pauline Kearney of Washington, N.C. Mr. Blanton was preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Blanton of Richmond, Va.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Beaufort County Animal Shelter c/o 3931 U.S. Highway 264 East, Washington, NC 27889.

You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.pamlicofuneralservices.com.

Pamlico Funeral and Cremation Service of Washington, N.C., is serving the Blanton family.