James Keith Blalock

James Keith Blalock of Palmer, 90, died August 13, 2018 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. He requested that no service be performed other than a private graveside service. Cremation was handled by Legacy Funeral Home and the ashes will be inured at Valley Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Blalock was born Oct. 25, 1927 in Iowa Park, Tex. He served at the end of WWII with the U.S. Army. After discharge, he continued his education at Baylor University receiving a B.A. degree in English and Bible, and began employment in the newspaper business which led to linotype operating and reporting from Texas to California, Alaska and Guam. He used this trade to support further graduate studies in five other universities, obtaining certificates in math and English teaching, which resulted in employment in Texas, Alaska, Guam and the Peace Corps in West Africa.

He came to Alaska in 1956 for a short time returning with the family in 1958. By this time, he and his wife, Marjorie, had become members of the Baptist Tentmakers, paying their way with teaching and newspaper employment. Teaching assignments went from Tok, Akutan, Texas, Guam, and back to Palmer.

Mr. Blalock is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Marjorie Eugene Howard Blalock. He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald(Bo) and Judy, Kelly and Janet of Alaska; daughters and sons-in-law Judy and Jeff Salisbury of Montana, Kim and Mark Fitch of Nebraska. Mr. Blalock is survived by 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father, Homer and Olive Blalock of Iowa Park, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond VA., 232286-4890, for mission support.