Jack E. Blakeman Obituary

Jack E. Blakeman, 81, of Berrien Springs, went to meet his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 3:00 PM. Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Heritage Chapel, 8747 US 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49103, with Rev. Robert Confer & Adi Puckett officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 2:00 P.M. Saturday prior to the service. Memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made to First Church of God or the American Heart Association. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Jack’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Jack was born August 27, 1944 in Benton Harbor to Douglas & Wilma Blakeman. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School Class of 1963 and attended Michigan Tech Vocational School. On October 9, 1965, he married the former Elaine Benson at Benton Heights Church of God. Jack was employed for thirty-eight years at Whirlpool Corporation, retiring in 2008 as a product designer. Jack a member of Benton Heights Church of God before joining First Church of God in St. Joseph, where he served as a youth leader, usher, on the Tuesday morning maintenance crew, and bus driver for many youth and senior adult activities. He also served for thirty-plus years with the Berrien County Jail Ministry. Jack was always a servant, willing to help anyone in need. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, and served as a baseball & softball coach when his children were active. Jack will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jack is survived by his wife Elaine; his children-Chris (DeAnn) Blakeman of Berrien Springs, Kerri Mitchell of Erie, CO, Ben (Shannon) Blakeman of Sparta, TN; seven grandchildren-Michelle (Nick) Foxworthy, Matthew (Victoria Knight) Rudlaff, Keaton & Gavin Mitchell, Jason, Lucas & Katelyn Blakeman; two great-grandchildren-Jack & Jace Foxworthy; his brother-in-law Frank Puckett of St. Joseph; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Douglas & Wilma, and his siblings-Norman Blakeman, Carol Todd, Constance Blakeman, and his twin-Jill Puckett.