of Little Rock, AR
April 2, 1942 - June 9, 2022
Dr. Jack Ligon Blackshear, Jr. entered into Heaven on June 9th, 2022. Born April 2, 1942, to Jack Sr. & Hildegarde Bebout Blackshear in Paragould, Arkansas. Survived by his wife of 56 years, Bobbie Morris Blackshear; son, William Jeffrey of Denver, Colorado and daughter, Danielle Girnus and husband Todd Girnus of Arlington, Texas; brothers, William Charles (Christy) of Rogers, Arkansas and Robert Harrell (Eva) of Springfield, Missouri; mother-in-law, Willene Morris & sister-in-law, Marilyn Morris of Little Rock; a niece and 3 nephews and he was predeceased by 1 nephew.
Graduating from Paragould High School in 1960 Jack then graduated from Hendrix College where he was a Blue Key. In 1968 Jack received his medical diploma from UAMS. After interning at St. Vincent's of Little Rock, he entered the Navy and became a Naval Flight Surgeon attached to the 1st Marine Air Wing and a Vietnam veteran. Jack returned to UAMS, completed a residency in Internal Medicine and GI and was a Fellow in both specialties. He practiced GI at Baptist Hospital as well as being a member of the Board of Trustees until 1993, when he decided to retire to practice medicine at the Little Rock VA. Jack's passion to mentor medical students led him to travel to foreign countries on medical mission trips. He also continuously and faithfully served UAMS as a member of the Admissions Committee, Caduceus Club and Board of Visitors. Jack received multiple awards including the Distinguished Service award from the College of Medicine in 1995 from UAMS, the Odyssey Award for Service to the World from Hendrix College in 2007, as well as Distinguished Alumnus of the UAMS College in 2020, which meant the world to him.
Aside from medicine, he lived up to his name as Jack of all trades. He masterfully played the clarinet since childhood and sang. Jack played the clarinet in the Little Rock Winds for years and happily served on the Board until his death. He was a chorus member of the Wildwood Opera Theater and also a member of their Board. Jack also sang concerts for nursing homes, church, weddings, funerals and birthdays. He was also a pilot and volunteered to be one of many command pilots for Angel Flight South Central. Jack flew 134 missions, transporting cancer patients for needed specialty care. He was driven to excel in everything he did because of his love for Christ, which he accepted as his Savior at age 9. When Jack and Bobbie married in 1966, they joined Immanuel Baptist Church, where he served as physician on-call, a Deacon, a musician, Mission Friend leader for 5 year olds and taught Sunday School for all ages and anything else Bobbie asked him to do. Jack knew Christians are called to a life of love and humble service to honor our faith and gratitude to Jesus for the indescribable gift of everlasting life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church to the General Fund or the Food Pantry at 501 N. Shackleford Rd, Little Rock 72211, or to the Little Rock Winds P.O. Box 250341, 72225.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 5:00-7:00pm in the Garden Room at Roller Chenal Funeral Home. Funeral Service will follow at 12 noon, Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Immanuel Baptist Church.
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46 Condolence(s)
Joseph Falasco
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Dr. Jack as I know him is a mentor, teacher, friend, and good soul. The opportunity to have been in the graces and cast of Dr. Jack will never be lost on me. Thanks, Dr. Jack for sharing your undeniably warm self.
Diane Murphey Williamson
Sunday, July 10, 2022
Such sad news that Jack has passed away. He was such a good friend from Hendrix. I know he will be missed. Prayer for his family.
Deborah "Hefner" Rivera
Monday, June 20, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr. Jack will be greatly missed. He made a wonderful impression on me during my childhood at Immanuel. So full of life and love for everyone around him. My fondest memory was going to the ballet with him when we in Russia. He opened my eyes to the world that day.
Dr Michael Reese
Friday, June 17, 2022
Jack was in premed with me at Hendrix College and then at UAMS . He was always positive and enthusiastic about everything he did and he just kept going and doing like an energizer bunny never wearing down. I was very surprised when I heard he had died. I will miss Jack Blackshear ,what a fine human being.
Beverli Pullen
Thursday, June 16, 2022
I met Dr Blackshear while working at Baptist Health. Always admired his kindness. Prayers for your family.
Jeff Stephens
Thursday, June 16, 2022
I knew Dr. Jack from the corvette club and learned at his service why his wife didn’t accompany him to our events. He was always kind and gracious to everyone and was one of those rare individuals who was a blessing to everyone who knew him. Praying for Mrs. Blackshear and his family during this time.
Don and Joanna Cope
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Jack was a fellow Angel Flight pilot with Angel Flight South Central. As mentioned in his obituary, he flew more than 100 missions, with each flight directly helping someone receive medical advice or treatment that improved or extended their life. Thank you, Jack!
Don Cope
Wing Leader - Angel Flight Arkansas
Dan Herrington
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Bobbie and Family, I know you know Jack is in Heaven, but praying for peace and comfort for your loss and Heaven's gain. I so looked up to Jack as Chairman of Immanuel's deacons, and hoped I didn't disappoint him when I served later in that role. He was a prince of a fellow and I am grateful to have known him. Our trip to the Mecum Auction in Kansas City was a great time for me and my father in law. Jack knew everything there was to know about every Corvette that rolled across the auction block. He was a founding member and faithful supporter of our Victory Car Show Pit Crew. I hope that you will allow us to honor him at this year's show. God Bless,
Dan
Diane Meador & Mark Barnhard
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
We will miss Jack as part of our ham radio group - and his contributions as a physician, pilot, musician and all around good guy in our community. Our prayers are with Bobbie and the family.
Carolyn Johnson
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
It was with deepest regret that I read about the passing of Dr. Blackshear. I worked with him at Baptist Hospital in the GI Lab. It was always a pleasure . He was one of the most knowledgeable and caring Dr.s that I've known and yet a pleasure to work with. Always had a great sense of humor. My most heart-filled sympathy to the family. May he rest in peace.
Marianne & John Childres
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Bobbi and family We are so sorry for your loss… He was one of the nicest doctors that I ever worked with. I loved his singing.
Judy Petty Wolf
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Heaven's choir just got a major upgrade! What a remarkable man. I never saw Jack without a smile, which was largely due to Bobbie, I'm sure. And all of us who had the privilege of hearing him sing The Holy City had an experience we will never forget. We will miss this once-in-a-lifetime man.
Joyce Brown
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Will be greatly missed. You were a great friend. â¤ï¸
Larry and Hilda Malpica
Monday, June 13, 2022
Bobbie and family,
We send you love and sympathy for the loss of Jack, a cherished friend of ours. We met him at Hendrix in 1960 and of course liked him immediately. He shared his beautiful voice as soloist at our wedding. His many talents and medical care have touched so many lives. We are thankful for his friendship and for each of you. May God bless you with happy memories of this special Christian man we love.
Larry and Hilda Malpica
Barbara Hawes
Monday, June 13, 2022
Can you imagine having a better next-door neighbor than Jack I can't. He was a polymath, a true Renaissance man. He also made the best cheese straws we ever had. Howard and I are going to miss him daily.
Jim Gonzalez
Monday, June 13, 2022
Jack was my most recent Sunday School Teacher in the Shiloh Class. He brought life to the class and the lessons. It was an honor to be in his class.
While Jack was suffering with his very serious health situation, he continually called me to see how my wife's health was and how I was holding up as her caretaker. He did that even though he faced a much more serious situation. What a true ambassador for Christ.
We all know where Jack resides right now, but he is truly one of those people that could have more positive effect for our LORD after his death than before just by all the lives he touched. That is why his rewards in heaven will continue to increase even into the future.
God Bless Jack and all his loved ones.
Carrie Yager
Monday, June 13, 2022
I will never forget 20 years ago sitting in the Blackshear’s living room on Monday evenings preparing for a medical mission trip to Honduras. Hospitable, an encourager, always bringing a challenge—
What a life and legacy. â¤ï¸
Jerry Stolz
Monday, June 13, 2022
I first knew Jack at Hendrix College, and we became good friends thereafter. He was an outstanding physician who cared so much about his patients. He was admired and respected by his colleagues and loved by his family and friends. Our sympathy and condolences to his family.
Jerry Stolz
Monday, June 13, 2022
I met Jack as a freshman at Hendrix when Jack was a junior. We remained close friends through medical school, residency and thereafter. He was an outstanding physician who sincerely cared for his patients, family, friends and colleagues. His upbe
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Ron & Kaye Daugherty
Monday, June 13, 2022
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Patience Holt
Monday, June 13, 2022
I shared many a laugh with Dr. Jack at the Immanuel Recreation Center. Full of smiles and stories was a weekly thing that we enjoyed. I sought his advice and he freely obliged and always with an added prayer. Sending hugs and prayers to Ms Bobbie and the family. You will be missed Dr. Jack!
Pulaski County Medical Society
Monday, June 13, 2022
The Pulaski County Medical Society board of directors is deeply saddened by the recent death of our esteemed Colleague and member and we extend our condolences to Dr. Blackshear's family.
Clarence bibbs
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Jack was a dear friend and fellow golfer. He was special in so many ways, always willing to assist others. We will miss him greately.
Vickie Buckner
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Bobbie. So very sorry to hear about Dr Blackshear. We worked together many years at the VA. I know he loved his woodworking, his corvette, golf, and people. Most of all he loved you, Jeff and Danielle and the Lord. A kinder gentleman was hard to find. I always enjoyed his presence in the GI Lab.
Kim Cook
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Dr. Blackshear was my mentor in my internship in 1986. He was a warm, funny, wise man, and I treasure the days that I shadowed him.
May the God of all comfort surround your family in this season.
david m johnson
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Jack was a friend of mine since our time at UAMS.
I last saw him at an ACP meeting in 2019 in little rock.
i am very sorry for his loss, and to all his family i wish my deepest sympathy.
Leon Robinson. K5JLR
Sunday, June 12, 2022
I will miss you friend.
Renie Bressinck
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Bobbie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Jack was a friend and one of my ham radio buddies. He will be missed.
Renie
James Hollander
Sunday, June 12, 2022
I have known Jack these last 10 years as a volunteer examiner for the federal amateur radio licenses. I've been impressed by his graciousness, talents, and service that way and in his Angel Flight activity. We will miss you so!
Adrienne and Mike Kulcsar
Sunday, June 12, 2022
What an amazing man the world has lost.
Danielle, our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Adrienne and Mike Kulcsar
Dr Samir Sulieman
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Sorry for your loss. Jack was a colleague always courteous and helpful in taking care of patients . May he rest in peace and God’s blessings to his family
Cheryl vanwinkle
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Dr Blackshear was not only an awesome physician but a Christian who loved God. I was a nurse at Baptist and always loved working with him.
Mary Linda and Tommy Ward
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Our hearts are happy and sad. Happy for Jack and sad for those of us remaining. We are out of town and will be unable to attend the service. Bobbie, please know of our prayers for your family â¤ï¸
Dianne Guerry
Sunday, June 12, 2022
What a God honoring life he lived. You all must be so proud & thankful!! Praying for
Your family - God’s comfort & peace!
Dianne Guerry
David C. Jacks, MD
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Arkansas medicine has lost a shining light! Jack had an energy and passion for life and healing which was admired by all his peers!
We shall miss him greatly!
Glen & Renee Spearman
Sunday, June 12, 2022
What a most remarkable life he led.
We are so sad for his family’s loss but hope they are comforted by knowing
He is now resting in God’s hands, surrounded by all who have gone before him.
Danielle and Todd, we are here for you, whatever you may need.
With love,
Renee and Glen
Chloye Bailey Pogue
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Bobbie, Jeffrey and Danielle, our hearts are heavy as we receive the news of Jack's death even though it was expected. I do not remember when I first knew "Jack and Bobbie", you were just always there at Immanuel. Of course, there are not enough words to describe Jack's talents and concern for others. When Ernie was at his worst dealing with MS here came Jack with a bird house he had made for him to place outside his bedroom window. That was "our" Jack who with all his honors humbled himself to do something to ease another's suffering. I'm aware that there are probably thousands of these stories. Our hearts go out to you all today as you grieve but we know the faith you have that we will all be reunited in Heaven some day. Chloye and Powell
Robin Todd
Sunday, June 12, 2022
My sympathies to the family. I knew Dr. Jack through CACC. He will be missed.
Janet Sutton Williams
Saturday, June 11, 2022
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jack was a wonderful man of God. I enjoyed playing music with him for many years in the Little Rock Wind Symphony AKA Little Rock Winds. He was always a blessing to our group and it was always comforting knowing he was serving as president of our board. He will be sorely missed by all of us. I know that can’t compare to your grief though. I pray that God will comfort you and that you will feel the many prayers going up on your behalf.
Susan Antonetti
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Thank you, Jack for your service to your Country, church, medical community and to the LRW. You were a true gentleman and you will be missed.
Teresa & Glen Perciful
Saturday, June 11, 2022
A cherish friend. Jack worked with me PT after his retirement. I admired his love for God, family, friends, cars, flying, music, and anyone that knew Jack loved him. Heaven received this angel home. We will miss you. Bobbie never forget we are here for you!
Kaut and Lynda Heath White
Saturday, June 11, 2022
I'm so sorry. He a friend for many years. Prayers.
Pete and Helen Musgrave
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Helen and I are deeply saddened by the loss of a great man and dear cousin. We send our love and condolences.
Nancy Lewis Edwards
Saturday, June 11, 2022
I remember Dr. Blackshear from when I worked at UAMS. Such a nice guy and so good with the patients and staff. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for his family
Pamela Fain
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Dear family,
What an enormous lost for every person related this fine man.
Bobbie, my prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Pam Fain
Kay carter
Saturday, June 11, 2022
So sorry to hear. Prayers for the family.