Frank & Bright Funeral Home

« Return to Obituaries | Print

James Pickens

veteranApr 5th, 1931 - Sep 29th, 2019

Graveside Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Dillman Cemetery  

Those attending are asked to go directly to the cemetery. 

 

   James W. Pickens, age 88, of Sailor Springs, Illinois, passed away Sunday night, September 29, 2019 at his home.

   He was born April 5, 1931, in Clay County, the son of John Raymond and Cora Ednas (Anderson) Pickens.  He had been married to Barbara Stanley, and to this union 3 children were born.  He was later united in marriage to Shirley Cox and she preceded him in death.

   James served in the Army during the Korean War in Battalion “A” 41st as a Forward Observer.  He was awarded several medals including the Purple Heart.  James was a union carpenter and had also worked in the oil field.  He had been a member of the Flora VFW 3999 and the Flora Eagles.  In the past he had enjoyed time spent hunting.

   He is survived by 2 sons: Flint N. “Nick” (Marsha) Pickens of Sailor Springs and Sterling C. (Julie) Pickens of Kansas City, MO; a daughter-in-law: Barb Pickens of Atoka, OK; a stepdaughter: Mary Kay Traxler; grandchildren: Lee Pickens, Bryan Pickens, Stephanie Pickens, Cora Pickens, Madison Pickens, Camden Pickens, Brandon Davis, April Pickens, Brandon Cravins, John Cravins, and Cody Cravins; many great-grandchildren; a brother: Leon Pickens of Kansas; a sister: Shirley (Bill) Atchison of Louisville; and many nieces and nephews also survive.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a son: James R. “Randy” Pickens; a great-grandson: Berklee Pickens; a sister: Merle Foreman; 2 brothers: Eugene Pickens and Keith Pickens; and a stepson: Timothy Wright.

   A graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Dillman Cemetery, with the presentation of military funeral honors.  Those attending are asked to go directly to the cemetery.  Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora is in charge of arrangements.

RecentObituaries

Gary Barnes

Mar 20, 1939 - Mar 21, 2024

Jim Allison

May 30, 1946 - Mar 17, 2024

David Yates

Feb 2, 1947 - Mar 17, 2024

Norma Smith

Sep 6, 1938 - Mar 16, 2024

Cliff Pennington

Apr 5, 1969 - Mar 14, 2024

 

 

Condolences

Tom & Angie Tolliver

October 1st

We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our thoughts and prayers across the miles.

C.C.

October 1st

Pickens families: I'm sorry for both your losses in the month of September. Sincere condolences from afar.

Larry, Melissa, Brennon, & Blaine Milner

October 2nd

We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Pickens!! He was our neighbor over on West 5th street in Flora, when we all lived there. My boys absolutely adored him!! My oldest son Brennon loved hearing his stories all about him being in the Army. Brennon would go over and just hang out with him. He loved to spoil my boys with cookies, and all that good sugary stuff. My lil guy Blaine, adored him, as well. He would say "I'm gonna go see Mr. Pickens" Sometimes I would say "now, you don't have to go bothering him all the time", as it seemed Blaine was over there every single day. I said something one day, and Mr. Pickens said, "Oh no, these boys never bother me, they can come over anytime they want. I enjoy their company." He was a character. He told me lots of stories, and told me all about his wife who passed, how she was a nurse, and such. The husband and I, along with others had to help him out quite a few times, in other situations, but we were always glad we was there to help. We always called him Mr. Pickens. Even after we moved, when he was still living there, when we did make it over that way, to see another neighbor, our boys would go over and see him a bit too. He would again give them goodies, and send some home with them. We hadn't seen him for a long time. The boys are gonna be so sad, when I tell them about his passing. Our deepest condolences to his entire family and friends!! May you fly high now Mr. Pickens.

Walter J. Chaney

October 2nd

Thoughts and prayers!

 

Candles

Ken & Tammy Haven
Trudy Zimmerman Stanford
Mick & Leslie Spitzner
Tina Stanley
Larry Frost
Jim @ Darla Henson
Rita Lake
Linda Harrell Judd
Darla Simmons
Tony & Jami Gibbons
Randy & Lisa Hargis
Cecelia Cardascio
Peggy Shroyer Leigh
Pete & Esther Walker
RICK & PAULINE BOWEN
Kevin snell
Norman Phillips
Scott Garrett
Carl & Paula Patridge
Larry & Melissa Milner & Family
Rose Anderson
Sarah Lampley
Mary Reynolds
Walter J. Chaney
Troy, Kim(Bickley) Welty
Maria Farmer
Steve & Tammy Staley
Steven Staley

 

Write a Condolence



Share Obituary

 

Light a Candle

Select a candle tribute and enter your name (or names) below. Click "Light Candle" when completed.

Choose a Candle



Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services

500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839

Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]

Receive "First Notice" Updates

Enter your email address below to receive updates when new obituary notices are posted to our website