James Johnston "Jim" Blanchard (born August 8, 1942) is an American politician from Michigan. A Democrat, Blanchard has served in the United States House of Representatives, as the 45th Governor of Michigan, and as United States Ambassador to Canada.Blanchard attended the public schools in Ferndale, Michigan. He received a B.A. from Michigan State University in 1964. He also earned a MBA from the same school in 1965. Blanchard received a J.D.