James Blanchard

James Thomas Blanchard, (Big Jim) 56, passed away on January 5, 2026, in Port Henry, New York. He was born in 1969 in Ticonderoga, New York, and spent most of his life rooted in Ticonderoga and Newburgh, places that shaped him and that he left his mark on as well.

James was a contractor, construction worker, mechanic, and lifelong doer of odd jobs. Someone who could figure things out with his hands, his mind, or both. He built houses, fixed engines, and approached problems with realism and practicality.

He was a man of fishing lines and mountain trails, of motorsports and mechanics, of history books and well-worn westerns. He loved hiking, racing up mountains just to prove he could, and passing along that sense of adventure to those around him.

James had many talents and many mindsets. He carried knowledge easily, whether it was about history, engines, or the music he loved to blast through any new speaker he found. He loved butternut pecan ice cream, had a stubborn streak, a sharp mind, and a humor that could be unexpected. Some said he might even be a relative of Bigfoot, he was a man that never fit just one category. A larger-than-life character.

James Thomas Blanchard lived a life shaped by motion, curiosity, and hands-on wisdom. He will be remembered in the things he built, the trails he climbed, the machines he fixed, and the memories he left behind.

He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Blanchard; and stepmother Veronica Olcott of Crown Point.

He is survived by his sons James Blanchard, Thomas Blanchard, and Brandon Blanchard, of northern New York, Ayden Blanchard, of downstate, New York, Dawson Blanchard, and Tarren Blanchard northern New York, and his daughter Cera Blanchard of northern New York; his sister Andrea Blanchard-Frazier of downstate New York and her children; his nephews Andre Blanchard of downstate New York and Andre's son Cameron Blanchard, Sgt. Justin Warren stationed in Texas and Justin's son KJ Warren; niece Laquanda and Justin dunning, and their children Brianna and Daniel dunning of northern New York; his sister Julie Bulluck and her daughters Jacquline and Addison of northern New York; his brother Justin Duffany his wife Samantha; and his three nephews, Justin D. Duffany, Jaxson Duffany & Jordan Duffany of New York; and his mother Laura Duffany of Georgia.

There will be a Celebration of Life service in late May.

Arrangements were entrusted to Heidrick Funeral Home, 48 Court St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901.