James Robert “Rob” Blankenhorn, 58, beloved husband of Melinda (nee Mothershead) Blankenhorn, and loving father of John and Sarah, passed away in Brentwood, TN after a courageous 3 year, 3 month battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) on December 12, 2016. Having been on hospice, he passed away peacefully at home. Rob was born on April 23rd, 1958 in Jackson, Mississippi to David and Diane Blankenhorn. He was a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he was a member of the ATO fraternity. He worked for Allstate Insurance for 35 years in Florida, Texas and Illinois.
Rob was a man of strong faith, an elder in the Presbyterian church in the 90’s and volunteer at his non-denominational church later. Rob enjoyed fishing, puns, reading and sports, but his greatest joy was his family. He attended every practice and competition for the various activities in which John and Sarah participated. He served as a soccer coach for both children, was the Head Timer for the Cats Aquatics Team and the Chief for the Indian Princess/Guides program. He especially loved the annual vacation to the Gulf Coast with his family and Indian Princess/Guides campouts. Before his death, he was determined to take the family on their dream trips of Paris, London and Egypt. He and Melinda also visited Australia and New Zealand.
He lived life to the fullest despite his progressing limitations and kept a smile on his face throughout the difficulties. His life motto was to focus on the things you CAN do, not the things you cannot; to surround yourself with good people and to always have something in which to look forward. Rob was known for his gentle spirit, hearty laugh and his love for wearing striped polo shirts. He was a man of integrity, faithfulness and wisdom. ALS took his physical body, but could not take his beautiful smile, sense of humor of uplifting spirit.
In addition to his wife and children, Rob is survived by his parents, Dave and Diane Blankenhorn of Madison, Mississippi; his brother, David Blankenhorn of NYC, his sister-in-law, Raina, and their children Raymond, Alexandra and Sophia. Rob’s adamant desires were that his life be celebrated well. To honor those wishes, a “Celebrate Me Home” gathering will be held at Community Bible Church in Nashville for family and friends. This will be held on Thursday, December 22nd from 6-9 p.m. Rob requested no suits or ties. The family also plans to host a celebration of life in Libertyville, Illinois, his home of 24 years, at a time convenient for them in the coming year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Clinic at Vanderbilt University, 1301 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37204. Please sign the guestbook at www.callnfc.com.
This beautiful obit says it all and describes Rob perfectly. He was a dear friend and colleague for many years, a person who was never too busy to help others. He enjoyed teaching and sharing the knowledge he had about all kinds of things – math, computers, hunting and fishing, and pop culture. Ok, not the last one. He was blissfully unaware of most of pop culture which was yet another of his endearing qualities. Rob courageously faced death with a dignity and humor most of us can only hope for. He showed us the way. RIP, friend – I join your family and many, many friends celebrating you home!
I got to know Rob a bit many years ago and I am sorry to hear of his death. He was a fine young man and my sympathy goes to his family. I know that Dave and Diane are devistated by his death and my heart goes out to them.
So sad to hear the news of Rob’s passing. I worked with him for many years. He was always kind to me. He will be remembered and missed by many. My prayers are with the entire Blankenhorn family.
So very sorry to hear about Rob. He was fine man who I enjoyed working with and having him as part of our team. After I left Allstate I would see Rob at swim meets and he loved watching his children grow in their swimming abilities. My condolences to Melinda, John, Sara, Dave and Diane. The fond memories will always be there.
I’m so very sorry! All of you are in our prayers! Although we didn’t know Rob well, we were inspired by his optimism at clinic, his smiles, and his intent to make memories with those he loved!
I got to know Rob when I was a young teenage girl of About 15 babysitting for his 2 kids Sarah and John. I could tell from our interactions that he was a great man raising a great family along with his wife Melinda. I am now 31 living and working in Chicago il, and still remembering Rob fondly. Love peace and prayers to all.
Dear Bkankenhirn family,
May this Christmas season bring the great peace of knowing Rob is with Jeasus Christ!
We can only Imagine!
Sending prayers, love and support as I know this loss is beyond difficult !
Love and sympathy,
Mary and Tom Tunnicliff
Sorry Blankenhorn
I send love and sympathy to you , John and Sarah. You guys fought a good fight. I will always admire you for your courage. Here is a scripture the Lord gave me when I lost Roger, ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints’, Psalm 116:15. May peace be yours, Melinda.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you Melinda and family for the loss of a beautiful soul! May you feel God’s comfort today and the days ahead! I didn’t know John but from your posts I know that heaven gained a special guy! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Our love and prayers continue to be with the entire family Blankenhorn family. We will be with you in spirit at the services on the 22nd.
In sympathy, Jim and Nancy White
Sending all of the Blankenhorn’s peace and comfort during this most difficult time. I did not have the opportunity of meeting Rob, but felt as if I knew him through Melinda’s posts….what a loving, witty, brave man! His faith was inspiring. Holding all of you up in prayer and will continue. Hugs to all of his dear family.
“O death, where is thy sting?” Christ handled death for us. Rob is seeing Christ in his full glory. I bet he is dumbfounded by everything he is experiencing. All the wonderful things and times in this life are being completed for him now. Although it’s been years since I seen him, I can imagine his smiling face as he takes in his new surroundings. Way to go, brother!
My love and prayers to you, The entire family.
But I think more so, I encourage you each to have a sense of pride, strength, and comfort to know that YOU ARE his living legacy.
Grieving doesn’t just go away over night or even years, But the way his legacy LIVES on last forever!
Find comfort and strength in The Lord and what HE blessed your family with before and now after his promotion to Glory!
Our deepest condolences in the loss of you husband, father, and son. Leon and Giovanna Richardson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Melinda, Sarah, and John. May God’s loving embrace carry you through this difficult time.
So sad to lose someone too young but glad he is at peace. He has been missed at Allstate and as many of us “old timers” knew his dad as well. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this holiday season.
Dear Melinda, Sarah, John and all the Family, We are so saddened to learn of your great loss…I was blessed to have first known Rob by our son’s attending kindergarten together at Copeland, then through countless (and they were countless!) Cats Aquatic swim meets. I always enjoyed our times working together and loved his wit and laugh! You are in our thoughts and prayers and we lift you up to God everyday to bring peace and comfort to your hearts. In light of eternity our lives are just a flash — but we have the Good News — and we will see him again! All our Love, Paul & Ethel Pickar
May Rob be at peace and pain free after such a long struggle. We have missed his smile at Allstate and always expected him to show up one day. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Our prayers for peace and strength for all the Blankenhorn family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Mendy and family::
I know I haven’t kept in touch since college like I should have. I just got Trish’s Christmas card and learned of Rob’s death. So very sorry. So glad that we have Internet now and I hot to see some glimpses of his life. You are in my thoughts and orayers.
Rob and I worked together. I remember a project when I had to make a bunch of changes to a planning system used in the field. A bit of time passed and I had heard there were some issues with my work… what else is new. I was no longer working in his group and he never mentioned anything to me. One day, I said something to him about possible problems. He downplayed it but I knew it had created headaches and extra work for him. He mentioned that it would have been better to test the models with data but that we learned a lesson for the future. In essence, he was taking the blame himself and simply blaming the process instead of me. We were not close friends but I always appreciated that and the memory will stay with me.