May 10, 2013. Last December, the High Country community lost a hero when James Owen Tolbert, the chief of police in Blowing Rock for 24 years passed away at age 65 last December.
“Owen and I were best friends all the way through school and many years past that,” said Terry Coffee, a close personal friend of Tolbert.
A few weeks ago, Coffee decided to hold a gospel revival memorial for Tolbert, his friend for over 50 years. The memorial will help to raise money for a scholarship fund for students at Blowing Rock School who want to pursue a career in law enforcement.
The fundraiser will be held on May 16 at the First Baptist Church in Blowing Rock. Tickets can be purchased at The Cornerstone and at Audio Vision in Boone and at Village Pharmacy, The Police Department and United Community Bank in Blowing Rock, Coffee said.
Tickets can be purchased with a credit card on the website, and they can do cash and check purchases at the office. There is still availability at the event. All checks should be made out to Lindsey Esther at United Community Bank, PO Box 2404 in Blowing Rock. All donations are tax deductible.
A United States Air Force Veteran, Tolbert was the Blowing Rock Chief of Police for 24 years before he retired in 2006.
The First Baptist Church in Blowing Rock is located at 350 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock.
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