Mr. James Blanding, Jr.

To view the service for Mr. James Blanding, Jr., please click on the link below: https://youtu.be/KmoLhpGTnp8 *Please note* - Live-stream will be available, Friday, April 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Mr. James Blanding, Jr., 75, of Columbia, South Carolina has entered into eternal rest on April 14, 2026 at Prisma Health Richland Hospital. James was born to Deacon James Blanding, Sr. and Viola Corbin Thomas on March 18, 1951. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and never hesitated to express his love for God and give Him glory for all He had done. He often ended his conversations by saying, "Pray for me, and I will pray for you." James attended the public schools of Richland County, South Carolina. With his education, he became a master chef at Bert's Grill. He also worked as a warehouse attendant at Settle's Beauty Supply and served as an assistant at Billy D's. J.B. was full of life. He loved praising God, reading His Word, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. James was always the "Life of the party." He brought joy wherever he went- dancing, joking, and making everyone feel like family. James never met a stranger. Mr. Blanding was preceded in death by his son, James E. Jones; his sisters, Regina Blanding Jeffcoat and Jessie Mae Blanding Brannon; and his nephew, Norman Brannon. Left to cherish his memories are: his life companion of thirty years, Deborah Ann Kennedy; bonus son, Minister Fredrick (Takquana) Kennedy, III; bonus granddaughter, Tyler B. Johnson; brothers, Wilbur L. Blanding, David E. Blanding, and Terry L. Blanding; sisters, Margaret Ann Blanding and Vivian (Donovan) Blanding Rivers, all of Columbia, SC and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026 at Friendship Baptist Church, 1237 House Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204. Interment to follow in the Promised Land Cemetery. Reverend A. A. Dicks, Sr., Pastor, Minister Frederick Kennedy, III, officiant. Mr. Blanding will lie in-state at the church one hour prior to the service time. Public viewing will be held from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2026 and from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 24, 2026 at A. A. Dicks Funeral Home. Like our Facebook page: A. A. Dicks Funeral Home - Sullivan Chapel Add our Facebook Friend Page and leave a comment: A. A. Dicks FH

Mr. James Blanding, Jr.

March 18, 1951 - April 14, 2026