Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) — After more than four decades behind the wheel, James Blackstone is retiring from the trucking industry with a record few can match — and a family that couldn’t be prouder.
Blackstone is stepping away after 41½ years as a professional truck driver, logging more than 4.5 million miles without a single accident. It’s a career defined by consistency, discipline, and a strong commitment to safety.
He spent 16 years with Averitt Express, where his dedication earned him the Company Driving Champion title in 2003. After Averitt, Blackstone continued his career with Walmart, where he was elected in 2011 to the Walmart Road Team and served for three years as a safety ambassador.
His competitive driving record continued late into his career. In 2024, Blackstone earned third place in the 5-axle division at the Alabama State Truck Driving Championship. In 2025, he followed that with another third-place finish in the flatbed division at the same statewide competition. Earlier, in 2015, he was named the Alabama State Free Trip Champion.
Trucking is a family tradition. Blackstone learned the trade and his work ethic from his father, George Blackstone, who also drove more than 40 years without an accident. Still, the career came with personal sacrifices.
“The hardest part of being a truck driver was being away from my family,” Blackstone said.
His family says they are especially proud of what he has accomplished over a lifetime on the road. Blackstone and his wife, Barbara Blackstone, three children: Nikki Sensabaugh, Mandy Gomez, and Tava Hall.
He is also a proud grandfather to Preston Anderson, Braxton Anderson, Grady Sensabaugh, Tucker Sensabaugh, Willow Gomez, and Libby Hall, whom he often describes as his pride and joy.
When asked what advice he would give fellow drivers, Blackstone keeps it simple. “Safety first. There is no need to be in a hurry because it’s not worth the risk. You learn something every day, which is something my dad taught me. If you don’t learn something every day, it’s a wasted day,” he said.
Retirement won’t mean slowing down. Blackstone plans to grow his popcorn business, Pappy’s Popcorn, spend time on a John Deere tractor, drive a limousine and tour bus, and enjoy fishing and golfing when time allows.
Most of all, he’s looking forward to time with family after a lifetime on the road.
Looking back, Blackstone sums it up simply: “Lots of miles. Lots of good friends. Lots of memories.”
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