James M. Blount

James M. “Jim” Blount, of Rochester, New York, departed this world on September 28, 2023. He was born on June 5, 1943, to the late Walter L. Blount Sr. and Helen Wilson Blount of Smithfield, Virginia. Jim earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, from Virginia State University where he met his future wife of 57 years, Carolyne Elizabeth Scott. They moved to New York, where Jim worked for IBM, and they welcomed their three children into the world, James Ural, Christina Elizabeth, and Cheryl Ellen. Jim honorably served in the US Navy Reserve from 1965–1971, including active-duty time in the Mediterranean Sea.

 

In 1972, Jim and Carolyne founded ABOUT…TIME Magazine Inc., which he led as its publisher for over 50 years. It focuses on African-American life and culture around Rochester, the United States, and the world, and remains one of the oldest African-American publications in the country. His publication efforts illuminated little-known facts and personalities, told positive stories about the African-American experience, and established a foundation for literary and journalistic research.

 

Jim is survived by his wife, Carolyne Scott Blount; three children, James Ural Blount (Juanita Farrow), Christina (Michael) West, and Cheryl (Christian) Gilbert; eight grandchildren, Brandon James Blount, Justin Jural Blount, Cassandra Elizabeth West, Alese Nicole Blount, Michael Scott West, Catherine Elizabeth West, Chase Maurice Gilbert, and Cameron James Gilbert; three siblings, Walter L. Blount Jr., Catherine Irene Joyce Blount, and Bernadette Blount Salley (John); two nieces, Conici Anne Blount and Anita Nicole Salley; one nephew, Jonathan Joseph Walter Salley; three aunts, Elizabeth Wilson Savage, Lucy Wilson Butler, and Marian Jean Wilson Johnson; and a host of special cousins, cousins, extended family, and friends.

 

A Celebration of Life and Legacy services will be held on October 14, 2023, at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street, Rochester, New York 14608. Viewing will be from 10am-12pm with funeral services starting immediately after viewing. Arrangements provided by Millard E. Latimer and Son Funeral Directors, Inc.

 

A second homegoing service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 11150 Emmanuel Church Rd, Smithfield, Virginia 23430 at 11am. Viewing will be from 3-6 pm on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Shivers Funeral Chapel, 12749 Courthouse Highway, Smithfield, VA 23430. Arrangements provided by Shivers Funeral Chapel.