Jeffrey “Jinx” Blackwell, 70, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend died at home July 8, surrounded by the love of family and friends, and his loving guard dog Gummi.
Jinx was born to Mary (Milligan) and Ted Blackwell on February 20, 1951. He spent a wonderful childhood “on the hill” in Great Barrington with his siblings Edgar, Steve, and Lesley. He was predeceased by his sister Gerda. On December 18, 1970, he married the love of his life, Debra “Debbie” Connelley Blackwell. During their 50+ years of marriage, they had three amazing children: Stephanie (Jose) of Bristol, Connecticut, Jason (Nanci) of Great Barrington, and Jed who died in 1993. Jinx and Debbie were blessed with five grandchildren: Joshua and Stephen Cormier, Kori (Emil), Kaitlyn (Joe), and Bryn Blackwell. In addition, they have two great-grandchildren, Asa and Jordan. Later this year, a third great-grandson, Ryder, is expected. Jinx also leaves countless other family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Jinx was an avid hot rod enthusiast, enjoying car shows and good times with friends across New England. He enjoyed the sound of a big block Chevy, a chain saw, and the peace of mowing a lawn. Through the many years working at the paper mills in Lee, he made hundreds of friends who taught him great jokes which he happily shared. His greatest joy was gathering with family and friends sharing laughter and tears and hoisting a Bud Light or two. Jinx was a man who never met a stranger. If you were fortunate enough to know him, you had a friend for life.
A celebration of his life will be held at Birches–Roy Funeral Home, 33 South Street, Great Barrington on Saturday, July 17 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Charles Van Ausdall officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Jinx’s memory may be made to the Madden Open Hearts Camp in care of the funeral home or directly through the camp’s website (linked above). Condolences may be made through the Birches–Roy website.
