James Blizzard (image provided by family of James Blizzard)
JAMESTOWN – A special memorial service for a recently deceased Jamestown veteran is taking place this weekend.
On Saturday, Aug. 1 family, friends and elected officials will be in Lakeview Cemetery to honor the life of 34 year-old CPL James Blizzard, a Marine Corps veteran who passed away on July 4, 2015.
Blizzard served in 2004 and 2005 and spent two tours in Iraq, fighting in places like Fallujah and Ramadi. While serving, Blizzard was wounded and had just been granted a 60 percent disability with the VA. Since being injured, Blizzard family says he suffered from Grand Mal seizures and PTSD, and he suffered a seizure on July 4 which is believed to be the cause of his death.
His body was not found until three-and-a-half days later. He was buried less than two days after being discovered and while his family requested military honors, they say that because of circumstances beyond anyone’s control, they were only performed in the parking lot of the funeral home.
Blizzard’s comrades and fellow Marines felt that he deserved a more fitting service. As a result, six of them will be traveling to Jamestown from across the country for Saturday’s special service, which will also include Senator Cathy Young, County Executive Vince Horrigan, and a representative from Congressman Tom Reed’s office.
Several local veterans groups and support organizations will also be on hand, including Ira Lou Spring Veterans Club, The AMVETS, The Sons of AMVETS, The AMVET Auxiliary, The Sons of American Legion, Patriot Guard Riders, Vietnam Veteran’s of America, and the Lake Erie NY Chapter 4 of Blue Star Mothers of America.
The special military honors ceremony will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Soldier’s Circle in Jamestown’s Lakeview Cemetery.
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