What a blessing it was to be with Bubba and Jamie Blackwell on Feb 10, 2001 when Bubba made his world record jump in Foley, Al. Bubba jumped 14 semi-trucks to break a world record jump by Evil Knievil. In fact Bubba has broken every record that Evil Knievil has ever made using the same type motorcycle, a Harley Davison XR-750. (Bubba has also broken 22 bones over the years!) Bubba could have made this jump in many large metropolitan cities in the country but chose Foley, Al. instead. Bubba and Jamie wanted to give back to those that love them so they gave a percentage of the ticket sells and all the concession proceeds toward the development of Foley Kids Park.

Bubba and Jamie Blackwell

     Bubba and Jamie have such a heart for Foley because this is the area they live in. Jamie was born here and Bubba moved to Alabama at the age of four from Panama City, Fl. but has lived in this area most of his life. Bubba and Jamie have been married 9 years, no kids, but Bubba says “tons of animals.” They are a joy to be around, both filled with a positive attitude of life and an obvious love for each other. When asked separately what was so special about their relationship together, both replied with the same answer, “I married my best friend and we actually enjoy being with each other.” Bubba commented further when he said, “Our relationship is God centered, shamelessly!! Jamie and I spend a lot of time together and a lot of time having fun.”
     Bubba and Jamie were both raised in Christian homes, and are blessed to say that their parents, brothers and sisters are all saved. Bubba states, “Andy Bryan was the one who recently led my father to Christ.” Bubba also has a younger brother in school studying to become a pastor. Jamie was saved at the age of 12 at Friendship Baptist Church in Bon Secour, Al and says she always knew Christ

as a friend. She knew right from wrong even though as a teen she did some wrong, Jesus was there for her and helped her turn her life back in the right direction. Bubba was also raised as a Christian, first getting saved at the age of 10, but says he was young and backslid as a teen. In Sept. 1997 at the Kenneth Copeland Eagle Mountain Motorcycle Rally he rededicated his life to Jesus, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and has been on fire for the Lord ever since. Bubba said he got caught up as a teen trying to impress his friends but that didn’t make for a Godly lifestyle. “Being in different meetings, meeting different pastors made me stop and think about what really was important in my life. What was important gave me the knowledge to be my own man and be a leader and do what I see fit and best to do, instead of following the crowd. That happens to be serving Jesus Christ, adds Bubba.”
     Bubba and Jamie are very active in many things. They attend Abiding Love Fellowship in Foley and love being a part of the congregation there. Bubba when not jumping, loves to work on his car. He has a street legal Chevy Chevette with a 800 hp super charged engine that he works on and plays around with while making it into a show car. Jamie is very busy with her horses. She has three and especially during rodeo season is riding in contests almost every weekend. Last year out of 1900 finalists in the world, Jamie placed 28th in the National Barrel Horse Association contest in Augusta, Ga. When Jamie is riding horses, Bubba is right there cheering her on 100%, just as she does him when he jumps. Bubba and Jamie are also working on opening the Bubba Blackwell Speedway Harley Davison in North Carolina. All the details are not ready yet but they hope to open in the near future.
     Bubba and Jamie both feel their relationship with Christ has helped them achieve the goals they have desired to reach, has strengthened their relationship with each other and has made their marriage strong.

     When asked if there was any words of encouragement they would like to share, they both did. Jamie said that Christianity is an important part of life, especially in a marriage, being able to stay in love because of God’s love. “God keeps us strong especially traveling away from each other like we have to do, that would be hard for someone without Jesus. We have fun serving God and doing what we do. A Christian doesn‘t have to be what is perceived by religion as stereotyped, you can serve Jesus and have fun doing it.” Bubba says he wants people to never question why a person is in a congregation. “I think that is something crucial. When someone comes to church others might know something about them and feel they have to tell, but you should never condemn a person that comes to church because you never know when God may get a hold of them. Be thankful they are there opposed to somewhere else. They may look different to you, like a big burly biker, but when he walks in, make him feel welcomed. Don’t be selfish and think heaven is just for you.” Bubba finished with this thought for the readers. “If you should ever hear on the news or read in the paper that something happened to me, never ever feel sorry for me. I have lived the most gifted life any man who was raised poor could ever live thanks to Jesus Christ, so I’ll see you in Heaven!”

Jamie running barrels