James R. Blount

The Reverend James Blount (pronounced “Blunt”) was born October 6, 1918 to James Blount and Artesia Atkinson Blount in Grifton, North Carolina. He was the last surviving child of the eight children issued from that union. After a prolonged illness, he departed this life on April 23, 2003 at the Veterans Hospital in Perry Point, Maryland.Rev. Blount received his early education in Grifton, North Carolina and obtained his high school diploma in Jacksonville, North Carolina. After moving to Baltimore, Maryland, he later served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. While in the armed services, he was stationed in France and in other parts of the world. He received several decorations and citations.After concluding his military service, Rev. Blount pursued careers in education and the ministry. In 1950, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education degree (cum laude) from Arkansas Baptist College at Little Rock. Later in June 1953, he received a Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University at Richmond. Rev. Blount was also a certified elementary and junior high school teacher in California, having acquired the state’s teaching credentials in 1961 from Immaculate Heart College at Los Angeles. Rev. Blount accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. He was a devout Christian and Disciplined student of God’s word. During his lifetime, he read the Bible, in its entirety, at least forty-seven times. Rev. Blount traveled across the country and was affiliated with several church families. But it was his association with the Zion Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, which proved to be the most fulfilling. He often spoke, with great fondness, of his service to the Lord while in Los Angeles; and of the many dear friends he made there. Upon his retirement, Rev. Blount relocated to Baltimore to reside with his sister, the late Bertie M. Bell.Known affectionately to both family and friends simply as “Uncle James,” he was a gentleman in every sense of the word; and was highly respected by all. He was a kind, caring and patient person, whose peaceful and gentle spirit touched the lives of many in a special way. He was generous and a cheerful giver of his time. He always had and encouraging word for young people in pursuit of scholastic achievement. At Zion Temple, he was a faithful servant who taught Sunday school and Bible Study, visited nursing homes and operated the church’s kitchen. He financed the acquisition of Zion’s baptismal pool, solely, though bake sales he held at the church. He served as a precinct Officer during elections in and for Los Angeles County. He was also a member of the Federation of Senior Citizens Clubs in the City of Los Angeles. Following his retirement, he continued to remain active in people’s lives, frequently visiting and preaching at nursing homes. In 1999, he was recognized as “Volunteer of the Year’ by the Caton Manor Center, a nursing home in West Baltimore. He was a devoted friend to many people and he will be missed by all that knew him.Rev. Blount leaves to mourn and cherish his memory: two nephews, Earl Rountree, of Kinston, North Carolina and Charles Frazier, of Baltimore, Maryland; three nieces, Artesia Hankins of New Bern, North Carolina, and Audrey Harper and Hortense Press, both of Baltimore, Maryland, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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James R. Blount

October 6, 1918 - April 23, 2003