James Austin Blackard

James Austin Blackard, a compassionate family man, said his final farewell on September 4, 2026, in Greenville, Texas. He was born on June 6, 1940, in the rural community of Sulphur Springs, west of Clarksville Arkansas. He was born at their family home.

James (Jimmy) was a great person, husband, and father of three. 

Jim came from a family that instilled love, care and loyal to the family life of God’s grace. Jim’s love of our Lord Jesus Christ was evident to everyone he met and brought joy to every person that had the privilege of meeting him. Jim moved from Arkansas to Dallas, Texas in 1963. He was employed with Texas Instruments/Raytheon for almost 40 years of service. Jim also earned engineer-related degrees from Oklahoma State University and University of Texas at Arlington.

Jim was bought up with Christ in his heart and soul. Jim’s love for music came in part from his parents, who formed a gospel group called the Blackard Quartet, which sang Gospel music at local churches and elderly locations in the Arkansas area. Jim will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Morine Sparkman Blackard, who stood by his side for 67 years of marriage. They met each other at the age of 17 years old and married at the age of 19 years old in Clarksville, Arkansas. Their bond was unbreakable and filled with love and understanding. Together they continued their walk with Christ and grew old together with unconditional love, as they were loved by Father God. Jim also leaves behind 2 loving sons. Jock Blackard and his wife Alicia L. Blackard and grandsons Zachary Blackard and Caleb Blackard. Robb Blackard and his wife Chanpheng Blackard and granddaughter Leslie Blackard and grandson Stephen Blackard and his wife Jennifer Blackard. Jim was preceded in death by his son Todd Blackard but survived by Todd’s wife Cindy Blackard, and grandson Seth Blackard and wife Emily Blackard. 

Jim is also survived by his sister Jetta Martin and her living family members. Jim was preceded in death by his brother Bill Blackard but survived by Bill Blackard’s family members.

In addition, Jim leaves cherished memories with his deceased parents W.H. “Dude” and Joyce Dougan Blackard and by Morine’s deceased parents Merle and Lois Sparkman from Clarksville, Arkansas. Their influence shaped his character and instilled in him values of kindness and empathy that he carried throughout his life.

 Jim embraced the entire Blackard clan wholeheartedly. 

Jim Blackard will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His unwavering kindness, genuine care for others, and ability to share his love of Jesus even in difficult times will forever be remembered. As we bid farewell to Jim, let us carry forward the valuable lessons he taught us about living life with compassion, staying loyal and most importantly his faith in Father God. May his soul find eternal peace.