Final Salute

Jeffery E. Blackmon, 63, of Kingsland, GA passed away peacefully at his residence on November 25, 2024.

Jeffery was born on June 20, 1961 to Emmett Blackmon and Shirley Crews Blackmon. Following High School graduation from Fernandina beach he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at NAS JAX as a jet mechanic with VP-30, P-3 Squadron for 4 years. After getting married to his childhood sweetheart and started working at Gilman/Durango Paper Mill in St. Marys. He remained at Gilman/Durango for 22 years, until the mill closed. At that time having a family he decided to go back in the Navy’s Construction Battalion as a fighting SeaBee, Steel Worker. In 2004 his unit CB14 out of NAS JAX deployed to IRAQ. One month after his arrival there, his unit came under attack and he was severely injured with shrapnel to the brain. Thus began his long journey home. After 16 months with many prayers and surgeries he finally made it back to Kingsland. It wasn’t easy and he had many more mountains to climb but he learned he had many people who loved and supported him, from his family, the community, and the VA which helped make his new life bearable. In the 20 years he was home, Jeffery started each morning with his wife and the Lord. He always considered himself One Blessed Man. He made the most out of his life with his travels near and far, making new friends, listening to friends singing to him and visits by his grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching MASH, Star Trek, and old B&W cowboy shows. He also enjoyed listening to FM 96.9 2 for 2 on Tuesdays and the “Song For Today” Jeffery was awarded the Navy’s Purple Heart and was a recipient of the Wounded Warrior Project and Home for our troops organization and also the family is thankful to our local community for their outpouring support. He was a lifetime member of the SeaBees. VFW Post 8385 and PVA. He was a Camden County resident for the past 42 years.

Jeffery is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeanette Blackmon, 3 sons, Matthew (Hannah), Christian (Christine), and Jeremy (Shannon). Six grandchildren, John, Ethan, Emily, Forrest, Evalynn, and Willa. Mother, Shirley Blackmon-Tillis (Jim), brother, Joel Blackmon. Three sister n laws, Brenda Crews, Hazel Hyers (Danny) and Christine Lloyd (Greg). Friends that were like his brothers, Fred Haines and Jack Ring. Nurses, Mary, Martha, MariKay, and Gabby.

He was preceded in death by his father, Emmett Blackmon, In laws, Jimmie and Hilda Martin and sister in law, Shirley Latham.

Believing there is a better home in heaven, when Jesus called, he went. Now the only scars that he has are the hands that hold him. We loved, we laughed and we cried, but most of all, we counted our blessings! Treasure every moment God gives you, be kind to others and when someone needs help, be the one that reaches out. (Ecclesiates 4: 9-12)

A private burial was held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday December 7, 2024 at the VFW Post 8385 at 1:00 pm.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.