James " Jimmy" Wales Blanchard, 51, passed away peacefully, after his 3 month battle with cancer, on Friday, January 28, 2022, surrounded by family, in Hutchinson, Kansas.

He was born August 6, 1970, in Larned, Kansas to Rebecca ( Zamarripa) Morrison and Charles Blanchard.  He grew up in Great Bend where he spent his childhood and younger adult years.  He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1990. While in school, he participated in the school choir, Argonne Rebels Marching Band and track.  He also worked in food service at various local restaurants.

In the mid 90's as an adult, Jimmy lived in other cities throughout the state, but eventually settled in Hutchinson, Kansas in February 2020, to be closer to his mother.  He always would look forward to being around his family whenever possible.  He had a love of country music and classic rock, which he enjoyed listening to daily.

He is survived by his mother and his loving aunt/caregiver Vivian Bahr; paternal grandparents Cecil and Margarita Carlisle; sisters, Teresa ( John) Jerry, Yolanda ( Greg) Cox and Jessica Morrison; brothers, Mike ( Linda) Zamarripa and Craig Morrison, Jr.; nephews, Joshua Jerry, John Jerry, Jr., Zach ( Laura) Dunsworth, Jeremy Cox, Trey Cox, Nicholas Cox and Riley Morrison; nieces , Celeste Jerry and Jubille ( Mason) Walker; great niece, Meah Jerry.

He was blessed with a big family of over 100 members, leaving behind uncles, aunts, and 3 generations of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, maternal grandparents Catarino and Felipa Zamarripa and his step-father, Craig Morrison, Sr.

A memorial service is planned at the Senior Center in Great Bend, Kansas on March 5, 2022 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service to be held at the ( South) Great Bend Cemetery.