James Blanchard Obituary – FNN is saddened to share that long-time coach James Blanchard has passed away following a long battle with cancer. He was 59. Blanchard spent many years working with Coach Steve Smith during their successful tenure at Piedmont, winning multiple Region Championships and State Titles together. We send our sincere thoughts and prayers to “Coach B’s” family, friends, and former players. Blanchard, long-time defensive coordinator under Smith and major factor in their run of success at Piedmont, succumbs to cancer.
“I loved Coach Blanchard as family,” Smith said. “His family was my family, and my family was his family. He was an extremely loyal sidekick and was very instrumental in our success.” Blanchard most recently followed Smith to Westbrook Christian and served in his customary position as Smith’s defensive coordinator. Blanchard served as Smith’s defensive coordinator all 17 years that Smith coached at Piedmont, helping the Bulldogs win five Class 3A state titles. Blanchard served as Piedmont’s interim head coach throughout the search that led to Jonathan Miller’s hiring as Smith’s replacement.
Smith publicly supported Blanchard, who was one of three finalists for the job. “I will be very public and vocal with my support for Coach Blanchard to get the opportunity to move into the head coach’s position here,” Smith said when Blanchard was elevated to interim head coach. “Now, I won’t have any say so in that decision. That’s what the Board of Education is for, but he would be a slam-dunk recommendation from my end.
“I’m so appreciative of the job he’s done all 17 years with me.” In the aftermath of Miller’s hiring, Blanchard posted graciously on Facebook: “To anyone who reads this — It’s time for the bickering to stop. I’m not mad at any one board member or anyone that didn’t vote for me. God will not allow me to be mad. What kind of Coach would I be if I’m angry at people, and tell my players not to be. Let’s all put this behind us and move on. I don’t live my life to be a head coach or to be popular, I live my life the way God wants me to, but sometimes I fail. So let’s all come together for the kids – deal?
“In God We Trust (prayer emoji) Coach B.” Smith touted Blanchard’s contributions after Blanchard’s passing Friday. “The impact he had on the players and coaches at every stop of his career will be felt for many years,” Smith said. “Please keep the Blanchard family in your prayers as they navigate these next few days.” Blanchard came to Piedmont shortly after Smith in 2006 and served as Smith’s defensive coordinator since. The Bulldogs won 198 games, 10 region championships and five Class 3A state championships with two runner-up finishes over that span. Piedmont reached at least the 3A semifinals each of their last eight seasons there. Blanchard has also been assistant head football coach, handling those duties when Smith had to be away from the facilities. Blanchard also served as the school’s head baseball coach until turning that over to Matt Deerman in 2016.
