Jack J. Blanco
Th. D, Pastor, Korean War - Air Force
1929-2025
VFW Lifetime Member, Post 1697, Member# 9223559
Dr. Jack Blanco, former Dean of the School of Religion and Professor Emeritus at Southern
Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee passed peacefully to his rest on Sabbath, January
11, 2025.
After a fruitful career in pastoral ministry, mission service, teaching, academic administration at
Columbia Adventist University, and editorial work at the Review and Herald, Dr. Blanco was called to Southern in 1982. Having been part of the University family for 18 years, he retired in 2000 and continued teaching as an adjunct professor until 2010 when caring for his wife Marion, who passed away in 2012, indicated he relinquish teaching.
His son, Steve Blanco Ross, a physician in Nashville, had passed in 2009. He is survived by his wife, Kelly Ross-Wilkenson and his daughter, Chelsea Ross. Dr. Blanco is survived by his daughter Cheri Blanco Jones and her husband, Geoff; his grandson Derek Jones and his wife Andrea, and his three great-grand children Connor, Emily, and Hailey.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jack and Marion Blanco Endowment Fund and sent to
Southern Adventist University, P.O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315.
A Memorial Service will be held at the University Church this spring, with further details to be
announced. Dr. Blanco and his wife now rest in the Lord, awaiting the summons that will awaken
all of God’s sleeping children. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
