DOVER - Jack passed away at Christiana Hospital on Jan. 11, 2019. He was born on Dec. 1, 1938 to John L. and Ione B. Blackiston, Sr. in Dover.
He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1956.
Jack married Jeannie E. Massey on May 7, 1960, the love of his life. At age 18 Jack joined the Delaware Army National Guard and was Honorably Discharged in Jan. 1964. At age 17 he started working as a lineman for Diamond State Telephone now known as Verizon. He retired in 1992.
Jack enjoyed his retirement, giving him 25 years of special time with Jeannie. They enjoyed seeing their grandchildren and watching them grow up.
Other than his parents he was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Jeannie M. Blackiston in 2018; his son, Paul B. Blackiston; brother-in-law, Carl Sanders; and brother-in-law, Francis Gilbert Massey.
He is survived by his daughter, Sheri (Mark) Cox of Lincoln; sister, Phyllis Ann Sanders of Greenwood; daughter-in-law, Lorretta Blackiston of Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Paula Massey of Millsboro; five grandchildren, Heath (Ashley) Bullock, Sean R. Bullock, Bryan (Audrey) Blackiston, Gillian Blackiston and Spencer Blackiston; several neices and nephews, and many friends. He was known as Pop to all the friends of his grandchildren and he loved them all very much.
A celebration of Jack and Jeannie's life will be held at Traders Funeral Home in Dover where friends may visit Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 from 1 to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be made in the Blackiston name to the American Cancer Society.
Burial will be private.