James Blackburn

James Auston Blackburn, age 70, died Monday, July 21, 2025 in Mesquite, Nevada. He was born December 2, 1954 in Talladega, Alabama to James Eugene and Ruby Juanita Patterson Blackburn. On November 3, 1984 he married Karen Gail Mears in Tonopah, Nevada.

James grew up in Fallbrook, California. He started working at a very young age and developed a strong work ethic. As a young man, he lived in Albuquerque, NM where he grew to love the outdoors and wildlife. He raised and domesticated wolves on his property in New Mexico. He enjoyed fishing and exploring the backcountry. In the mid 1980's, he met the love of his life, Karen, and they made the move to Nevada where he enjoyed working at the Tonopah Test Site. He later began driving 18 wheelers across the country after relocating to Las Vegas in 1990. He loved watching old westerns and always loved John Wayne movies. After retirement, James and his wife moved to Overton to be closer to family. He was a big man with a big heart as he loved to give hugs with his long ole “Yard Arms”.

Survivors include his wife, Karen of Overton; son, David (Melissa) Schalles of Surprise, AZ; daughter Jamie (Jeff) Romero of Overton, NV; five grandchildren Branden(Mariah) Romero, Ryanne Romero, Kendall Romero, Gabriella Schalles, Eryka Romero; six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents James and Juanita Blackburn, one infant sister and one son, Eric Blackburn.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 28, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Logandale East Stake Center, 2555 St. Joseph Street., Logandale, Nevada. Visitation will be from 9 – 9:45 a.m. prior to services at the chapel. Interment will follow in the Logandale Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to sign our online guest book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com