‘Greater love hath
no man than this,
that a man lay down
his life for his friends.’
John 15:13

The J.P. Blecksmith Leadership Foundation (JPBLF) was formed in 2005 to honor the memory of Marine 2nd Lieutenant J.P. Blecksmith. The specific purpose of the non-profit corporation (Tax ID# 20-2839539) is to raise money through fundraisers, namely the JP Blecksmith Memorial 5K, held every July 4th in his hometown of San Marino, California. The majority of the event's proceeds and other donations go to support a memorial scholarship fund established in his honor at his high school alma mater, Flintridge Preparatory School in La Canada, California. In addition, proceeds can be used for any other similar charitable matter or organization to perpetuate and to honor the legacy of J.P. Blecksmith through public charitable works.

What We Do

A large part of our proceeds go to support the Flintridge Prep's J.P. Blecksmith '99 Memorial Scholarship Fund which is given to a rising senior at Flintridge Prep. The Fund was established this endowment fund in 2004 to honor the memory of 2nd Lieutenant James Patrick Blecksmith ’99, who died while serving in Iraq. The JP Blecksmith '99 Memorial Scholarship Fund offsets tuition for deserving students, funds special leadership opportunities for selected students of promise, and through the JP Blecksmith '99 Annual Award honors a rising senior who personifies the qualities of leadership, scholarship, athletic commitment, and public service that J.P. embodied.

J.P.’s ability to bring people together also continues.  Each July 4th, hundreds participate in the J.P. Blecksmith Memorial 5K in San Marino. Community members help with registration, work water stations, run in the race, or just cheer on the contestants.

For the past two years, the J.P. Blecksmith Fund allowed first Prep’s varsity football team, and then the varsity basketball team, to participate in an adventure based team building program operated by Alpine Training Services, and conducted by a Prep alum, Travis McDaniel ’98. The Alpine program focuses on building trust between individuals, encourages stepping outside one’s comfort zone through safe risk-taking opportunities, and fosters personal growth and self-understanding. Prep basketball coach, Garrett Ohara ‘84, found the program to be worthwhile and said the following:

"At the start of each season, some members of the basketball team are already friends while other players may not know each other very well. The program allowed the players to quickly form new friendships, face some personal fears, and overcome apprehensions and obstacles. We achieved great results—all while also having a great time!"

Football coach, Brad Miller said:

"Thank you for allowing my team the opportunity to participate in this great program. It allowed us to fast start the season and is partly responsible for our strong start (2and 0) to the season."

The JPBLF is a California non-profit corporation, adhering to the exempt purposes specified in IRS Code 501(c) (3)