James Stanton Blanchard of South Boston passed away on December 24, 2024, at age 69 following a battle with rapidly-progressing vascular dementia. He passed on peacefully with family at his side, having led a full and adventurous life.
James was born in Philadelphia on October 7, 1955, to Robert and Barbara Guppy, and spent time as a child in foster care.
He was a laborer by trade and a professional boxer based out of Somerville. Fighting as a super welterweight, James went 6-1 in his boxing career before suffering a broken back in a job site accident.
Following a long recovery from the back injury, James went to work for MBTA as a carman on the Blue Line, receiving multiple commendations for customer service. He retired early from the MBTA following a fatal incident involving a train that left him with severe emotional distress.
In his retirement, James focused on friends, family, and what he loved doing most: giving back through service. He found community in South Boston, where he was an avid cyclist and could often be found riding his bike on Dorchester Ave.
He was a cancer survivor. After beating a grim prognosis with Stage 4 melanoma, James proudly rode over 5,000 miles in just 24 months after getting the green light from his doctors to get back on the bike.
James stayed involved with boxing, volunteering his time coaching at the McKeon Post in Dorchester. He also volunteered at the Lindemann Mental Health Center with their softball program and was known to make sandwiches and give them out to unhoused neighbors on the streets of Boston on Thanksgiving.
James adored his granddaughter, Allie, and cherished his time with her and his son, Jesse. Together they frequently went on adventures and competed at everything from Candyland to Gin.
He held dear his friendship with his best friend of 35 years, Rita Campagna, who taught him to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. They spent countless afternoons at their favorite spot, Natick Falls.
James will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and community for his keen mind, his generosity of spirit, and his love of life.
His death was preceded by his foster parents, Henry and Marion Harding, his foster sister, June Harding, and his nephew, David Higgins.
James is survived by his son, Jesse Clingan and his wife Michele, of Somerville, his sister, Cynthia McDonald, of Taunton, his brother, Dana Guppy, of Seattle, his brother, Billy Guppy, of San Francisco, and his granddaughter, Allie Clingan, of Somerville. James also leaves behind his foster family, including his brother, Jim and his wife Joan Harding, and their children, as well as his nephew, Brian Higgins, of Medford and his niece, Danielle Conteras, of San Francisco. James also left behind his best friend, Rita Campagna, of Natick.
A wake celebrating James's life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Monday, December 30, at Casper Funeral Home at 187 Dorchester Street in Boston.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in James Blanchard’s memory to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) by visiting https://melanoma.org/ or sending a donation to:
Melanoma Research Foundation
P.O. Box 719329
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19171-932
To donate by check, please download the memorial donation form and mail it with your gift. Please note the individual’s name in the memo line of checks.