James Edward Blanton "Geek" went home to be with The Lord at the age of 54 on Monday, April 18, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born in Elmer, New Jersey to the Late Gertrude Blanton Rivera and Teofilo Colon Rivera on July 15, 1967. He was raised in Farmville, Virginia by his grandparents the late Deacon William "Mike" Brooks Sr. and the late Deaconess Judie F. (Reed) Brooks., uncles Joseph and Richard Brooks and his aunt Lou Bertha Brooks.

James attended Cumberland Elementary, later graduating from Cumberland High School, Cumberland, Virginia Class in 1985. He was part of the 1985 State Championship award winning team. He was an avid basketball star player and was recently inducted into the Cumberland High School Hall of Fame in 2021.

James was baptized at an early age at Midway Baptist Church in Farmville, Virginia and became a member. Upon relocating to New Jersey, he rededicated his life back to Christ when he joined Shiloh Baptist Church, Vineland, New Jersey under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James Dunkins and the guidance of his spiritual mentor and friend Pastor Gary Mack.

James enjoyed working, he began working at an early age at Hazelgrove Dairy Farm in Farmville, Virginia. He was a man of many jobs in Virginia and New Jersey. Including factory and warehouse work holding several positions the last being a Shipping & Receiving Supervisor with Sabert Corporation in Richmond, Virginia.

James enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, he was the life of the party. If you knew James, you knew he was the ultimate ladies' man. He was a die-hard Redskins Fan & Los Angeles Lakers Fan. He loved to travel & drive to explore his horizons. He loved his coffee and watching the food channel network. He was a food fanatic. He loved his Late mother's macaroni salad. He enjoyed gospel music, some of his favorite artists were Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC's, Shirley Ceasar and The Williams Brothers.

James leaves to cherish precious memories: four daughters Malikah Brown of Camden, NJ, Dominique Eason of North Carolina, Tiyanna Blanton-Whitehead of Texas, Keirstin Blanton-Colter of Maryland, two sons; Jajuan Blanton of North Carolina and James Julius Blanton-Simi of Texas. Three Sisters; Mary Blanton, Dorothy Blanton-Garvin, of Vineland NJ, Lisa Blanton of Henrico, Virginia; 4 Special Cousins Antionette "Murch" Brooks, Catrice Jackson, Tyneisha James all of Farmville, Virginia and Bertha "Chee-Chee" Brooks of Bridgeton, NJ. 3 Special cousins Richard "Bug" Brooks Jr, of Brandywine, Maryland, Ronald "Ronnie" Blanton of Farmville, Virginia, William "Billy" Reed, of Elmer, NJ; 19 Grandchildren, 1 special Uncle Richard & Aunt Minnie Brooks of Farmville, Virginia, Special family friend Shirley Trent, a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends. Special thanks to Justin Ford for being awesome caregiver to James in his time of need.

Pre-Deceased by Gertrude Blanton-Rivera (Mother), Deacon William Brooks Sr. (Grandfather), Deaconess Judie F. (Reed) Brooks (Grandmother), Joseph Brooks (Uncle), William Edward Brooks Jr., (Uncle), George Henry Brooks., (Uncle), Lou Bertha Brooks (Aunt), Keyairah Eleazer (Granddaughter), Francisco "Lil Chico" Delvalle (Nephew), Sidney Garvin (Brother-in-Law).