James Blackburn

New Iberia - Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 27, 2013, at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia, for James Russell Blackburn, 42, who died on Monday, June 24, 2013 in Plaquemine. Entombment will follow in St. Peter Cemetery. Deacon Theo Landry will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Pellerin Funeral Home, in New Iberia. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM Wednesday. Visitation will continue Thursday from 8:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Born on September 1, 1970, Russell had a great love of the outdoors. He had a green thumb and loved working in his garden, growing many varieties of plants, vegetables, and flowers. He didnt get to see his beautiful red poppies bloom this year, but his Mom saved the seeds and will keep them growing for him. He worked onshore and offshore as an oilfield fitter, and was naturally mechanically inclined. Russell loved carpentry. He could take a few boards and make something out of nothing. He could fix just about anything. Russell enjoyed cooking almost as much as he liked to eat. He had a terrific sense of humor, and a long line of bull. He could make just about anyone laugh. Russell was very proud of all his children and their accomplishments. Survivors include his parents, Jimmy and Sybil Colgin Blackburn of New Iberia; children, Matthew Charles Blackburn and wife Tori of Kansas, James Blackburn of Kansas, Elizabeth Blackburn of Independence, Haley Blackburn of Independence; step daughter, Brittney Richard of Kansas; brother, Neil Randy Blackburn and wife Heather of Youngsville; uncles, William Colgin of Ocean Springs, MS, and David Land of New Iberia; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Irene Colgin and Randolph Colgin; aunt, Carol Land; and an uncle, Randy Colgin. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of arrangements. ;