My Papa, James N. Blackburn
James Norville Blackburn November 2, 1914 -- February 5, 2009 My Dad called me here yesterday evening as I was changing the linens on Sophie's bed. The moment I heard his voice, I just knew what he was going to say: my grandfather, Papa, died yesterday morning of heart failure. He had been doing poorly, suffering from confusion and disorientation and had limited mobility for a few years, but I still wasn't expecting that call. I really thought he might go on forever. He was 94 years old. He was a big man in every sense of the word. You always knew where he stood, and he didn't try to hide it if he was unhappy. Being his only granddaughter, however, I got to see a side of him that most others did not. I spent a great deal of time with him when I was growing up, and can honestly say that I always felt adored by him. I don't think he ever raised his voice at me, and that is really saying something, not only because he could be a big-voiced person, but because I also pro...