Jay R. Blankenship

Jay Blankenship, age 42, of Jackson, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. He was born November 13, 1980, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Diane Powers Blankenship and the late Paul David Blankenship. Jay spent his early childhood in the city of Wellston where he attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, participated in youth sports, and met many of his lifelong friends. In Wellston, Jay and his dad bonded over their love of football, and Jay spent many hours alongside his dad as Paul coached the Wellston Golden Rockets. During his high school years, Jay's passion for football continued, making him a leader on the gridiron. One of Jay’s proudest accomplishments was being a member of the 1996 undefeated Jackson varsity football team and earning a coveted white jacket. Jay and his teammates had a special bond, and he loved each and every one of them like a brother—he was a true Ironmen. In adulthood, Jay was lucky enough to find two additional passions: his children and hunting. Jay loved spending time in the outdoors with his sons, Kingston and Holden, and on their many adventures, the three of them built a deep bond. Whether it was scouting a big buck or chasing a long beard, Jay and his boys were ready. When they weren’t together in the woods, you could find Jay and his wife Mandee attending one of his sons’ many sporting events. He loved watching his boys play sports, and he was incredibly proud of both of them. Over time, Jay also developed a love of traveling to Disney World with Mandee and Kingston, and they enjoyed many wonderful trips together over the years. Jay was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and had a deep love for the Lord. His character was most evident in the way he treated people. Jay never met a stranger, and you could always count on him for a good hunting or football story. He had a big heart, always trying to be there for anyone who needed him. Jay’s family meant the world to him, and he did everything he could to make them happy. He was a kind, loving man, who will be deeply missed. Jay is survived by his mother, Diane Powers Blankenship; his wife, Mandee Blankenship; his sons, Kingston Blakenship and Holden Blankenship; his sisters, Beth (Shawn) Osborne and Molly Blankenship; his brother, Brent (Barbi) Blankenship; his mother and father-in-law, Diana Wright and Paul “Woody” Wright; his sister-in-law, Melissa Wright; his aunt, Linda Fisher; his cousins, Ashley and Jimmy Fisher; and his nieces and nephews: Jordan Banks, Kendal Osborne, Landon Osborne, Alyssa Wright, Gaven Helmic, and Bryer Padgett. Jay was also survived by many close and special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Blankenship; his grandparents, Jay and Paulette Blankenship and Harold and Dolores Powers; and his uncle, Bobby Powers. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with Father Thomas Herge officiating. Burial will follow at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2023, at Mayhew Brown Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jay's name can be made to the Jackson Sideliners Club, PO Box 866, Jackson, Ohio 45640, or the Golden Rockets Athletic Boosters, PO Box 489, Wellston, Ohio 45692. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com.

Jay R. Blankenship

November 13, 1980 - June 7, 2023