James E. “Jim” Blackford, age 71 of Elwood, died Aug. 9, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo.  He was born March 20, 1952, in Elwood, the son of Edward L. and Donna M. (Leisure) Blackford.  Jim was a 1971 graduate of Frankton High School and served in the U.S. Army.  Funeral services were Aug. 14, 2023, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  Memorials: funeral home to offset funeral expenses.  Full obituary: www.copherfeslermay.com.