Jimmy Paul Blankenship

Dr. Jimmy Paul Blankenship, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Medina, Tennessee, on October 5, 2025, surrounded by his cherished family. He was born on May 24, 1938, in Lexington, TN, where he began his remarkable journey through life, one marked by kindness, joy, and an unwavering commitment to his faith.

An accomplished professional, Jim graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin where he served as Student Body President, President of the Baptist Student Union, and was appointed an Executive Officer in the R.O.T.C. on campus. Jim continued his education at the University of Tennessee Medical Center where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery, graduating number one in his class. While completing his doctorate degree, he also served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. Jim devoted his entire 38-year professional career as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Jackson, Tennessee.

However, beyond his academic and professional achievements, his proudest accomplishments were in his unwavering devotion to his family and faith community. In addition to the numerous basketball games, swim meets, equestrian shows, mission trips, and cheerleading events he attended in support of his granddaughters, his daily routine was consumed with spreading the Word of God with others. He worked several years as a church connection specialist at Life Way Christian Store on the campus of Union University, where he shared his passion for connecting people and spreading God’s love. He was a loyal member of West Jackson Baptist Church, where he contributed not only through his service to the staff but also as a source of encouragement and support to many. His spirited personality and kind demeanor left a lasting impression on all who knew him; he never met a stranger, and he had unique ability to make everyone around him feel like they were the most important person in the room.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Karin Gaston Blankenship; children, Gregory Blankenship (Beth) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Amy Powell (Jeff) of Fairhope, Alabama; and four granddaughters, Sarah Powell Wagner (Gabe) of Franklin, Tennessee, Sydney Blankenship (fiancé Preston Emore) of Johnson City, Tennessee, Macy Powell of Fairhope, and Ellie Blankenship of Murfreesboro. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Paula Blankenship; parents, Cecil and Loula Blankenship; and sister, Mary Ann Leggett.

A service to celebrate his life will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors, with Rev. Andy Neely officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The burial will follow at Ward's Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Joe Ball, Vaughn Cassidy, Todd Gamble, Roy Moore, Eric Staley, and Jeff Woods.

As we remember Jim, we honor his wish for his funeral service to be a celebration of God's grace and love, reflecting the bright light he brought into the lives of those around him. His legacy of kindness will continue to resonate in the hearts of friends and family, waiting for the day they will reunite in joy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Jim’s honor be given to Birth Choice: https://birthchoice.biz/give/.