James Lee Ardis Blackman, 33, entered into eternal rest and absolute peace on March 20, 2021. He was born January 26, 1988 in Spartanburg, SC to Raleigh Winsor Blackman Jr. and Hobia Ashford Blackman.

He will be missed and forever remembered by: his parents; brothers, Raleigh W. Blackman III and Charles Ashford Blackman; a loving nephew, Charles Ashford Blackman Jr.; and extended family.

James graduated from Spartanburg High School in 2006. He received his formal education from USC Upstate and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2013.

His hobbies included theatre and the arts with a focus on drawing, painting and sketching. He recently developed a passion for journaling and writing. His favorite pastime was watching Japanese animation. James enjoyed spending time with family, but getting a hug was a challenge for his aunties. He would always surprise the family with his sly smile and hilarious dry humor.

Survivors include: paternal grandmother, Hennie Wannamaker Blackman of Woodruff, SC; maternal grandmother, Mary Johnson Ashford of Winnsboro, SC; aunts, Hilda Patrease (John) Morrison, Forrest (Chris) Scarborough, Charmayne (Terry) Belcher, Mary Ashford, Lillian (Willie) Mickle, Sabrina (Michael) Armstrong; uncle, James (Cynthia) Ashford; a special cousin, Sonya (Carl) McIntosh; great-aunts, Hilda Wannamaker, Betty (Walter) Jones, Mary Boyd, and Vernell Gadson; great-uncle, Fred Wannamaker, as well as a host of loving cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by: paternal grandfather, Mr. Raleigh Blackman Sr.; maternal grandfather, Charles "Charlie" Ashford; aunts, Ramona Ashford (David) Johnson. Charlene Ashford; and uncles, Robert Boyd, Charlie Ashley, and Bernard Ashley.

A Celebration of the Life of James Lee Ardis Blackman will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Heritage Memorial Gardens, 3901 S. Church St., Roebuck, SC. Rev. Kenneth Smith will officiate.

J. W. Woodward Funeral Home