James "Frank" F. Blackshear

"He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most was the dash between those years" original poem By Linda Ellis

James Franklin "Frank" Blackshear passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on July 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 28, 1960, to Billy Joe and Betty Marie (Bolton) Blackshear, Frank lived a life centered on love, family, fun and hard work.

Frank was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose love for his family always came first. He also had a passion for fishing, shooting pool, and listening to music. With a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, Frank spent 30 years working as an Auto Repair Technician in Arizona, Illinois, Colorado and Texas and later contributed 12 years to Chrysler Stellantis at the Belvidere Assembly Plant.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Christina (Ellis) Blackshear of Rockford, IL; his mother, Betty Keeton; his brother, Richard Alvin Wheeler; and three sisters: Beverly (Tim) Zeigler, Betty (Steve) Pasqueno, and Shirley Wheeler.

Frank leaves behind his children: Maria Blackshear of Phoenix, AZ; Julia Blackshear (Michael Hinkle) of Zanesville, OH; and Jerimy (Jillian) Pierce of Rockford, IL. He was a proud grandfather to Ashlynne Tucker, Kayleigh Pierce, Denea (Matt) Hughes—all of Rockford, IL; Jaydon Elmore of Phoenix, AZ; Andrew and Jason Pierce of Rockford, IL; and Leif Hinkle of Zanesville, OH. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Evelynn and Kyson Lemke of Machesney Park, IL.

Frank is preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Blackshear, Sr.; his brothers, Billy Joe Blackshear, Jr. and William “Butch” Luther Blackshear; and his beloved son, Jason Franklin Blackshear.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM at The New Mill Tap, 6935 11th St., Rockford, IL 61109. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering and honoring Frank's life.

Internment plans have not been finalized and will be done at a later date.

This tribute was lovingly written by his wife, Christina Leigh (Ellis) Blackshear, on July 14, 2025.

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