Jim Blizzard, a founding member and former board member of the American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, passed away in his home in Goldsboro, NC, on Dec. 31.

Blizzard is survived by his wife, Dickey Blizzard, whom he was married to for 53 years, as well as his daughter, Jamey Howey, and his granddaughter, Madelyn Howey.

Blizzard, who owned Piedmont Equipment Leasing, spent more than 50 years in the commercial finance industry and helped launch the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers, which went on to become the AACFB.

On Jan. 8 at Evergreen Funeral Home in Goldsboro, NC, a service will be held in honor of Blizzard’s life. The service will begin at 2 p.m. EST following visitation from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. EST. In lieu of flowers, donations to Lewy Body Dementia Association are encouraged.