A Memorial Service for Jim Blanchard will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, June 2, 2016 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with the Rev. James Russell officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 in the River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

James Francis Blanchard, 55 of Rochester, died Thursday, May 26, 2016 at St. Marys Hospital.

Jim was born March 31st, 1961 in Rochester to J.F. and Dorothy Blanchard. He grew up in Byron, Minnesota and moved to Waterville, Minnesota in 1977 where he graduated from Waterville Elysian High School in 1979. After graduating he worked for Quality Distributing for eight years and later worked as a laborer/truck driver until 2013. Jim married Lori Newell in 1990 and later divorced in 2000.

Jim was a diehard Minnesota Twins, Viking and Gopher fan. He also enjoyed playing basketball and softball on various leagues.

Survivors include his siblings; Michael Blanchard of Spring Valley, Minnesota, Ann (Sidney) Saltz of Evanston Illinois, Barbara (James) Pappas of Rochester Minnesota, Paul (Jeanine) Blanchard of Castle Berry Florida and John Blanchard of Orlando Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.