Josiah H. Blackmore II, a retired president of Capital University and a former dean of its law school, died early today after an extended illness. He was 72.

Blackmore, who received a law degree from Ohio State University in 1962, began his affiliation with Capital in 1969 as an adjunct professor of law, then joined the faculty full time in 1970.

He became dean of the Law and Graduate Center in 1980. In 1987, he was appointed interim president, and in 1988, he became the university's 12th president. He retired in 1998.

A well-known legal scholar, Blackmore served on numerous collegial and civic boards. In 2004, he was appointed by Gov. Bob Taft to the Ohio Ethics Commission. In 2005, he received the Presidential Award for Lifetime Service from the Columbus Bar Association.

Blackmore is survived by his wife, Joyce, of Blacklick, Ohio; three children; and four grandchildren.

Memorials can be made online at http://www.capital.edu/Blackmore.

A funeral is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday at Worthington Presbyterian Church, 773 High St. Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Capital University or to the church in Blackmore's name.