James Arthur Pickett

James Arthur Pickett, 83, of Columbus, passed away at 4:35 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Brown County Health and Living. James was born on October 2, 1940, in Franklin, IN to James W. Pickett and Frances G. Hagen Pickett. He married Wanda S. Cross on February 18, 1968. James graduated from Columbus High School in 1959. He was a proud SSG E-6 in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam, Germany, and the United States. After his service, he was employed as a supervisor at Reliance Electric, Quality Machine and Tool, K.S. Bearings in Greensburg, where he retired. James had a strong Christian faith and was baptized. James was a past member of Camon Masonic Lodge #343, St. John’s Masonic Lodge #20, Scottish Rite, and Columbus Moose Lodge #398. James was an amateur radio operator and enjoyed talking with friends all around the world. James enjoyed bowling and was a part of several leagues over the years James was a great storyteller and enjoyed making people laugh. James’ home was always open to sharing a meal, a cup of coffee, or a conversation. James also enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, astral traveling but most of all taking care of Wanda and his family whom he deeply loved. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Kennedy officiating. Calling hours will be from 4 p.m.– 8 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be held at Bethel Baptist Cemetery with military honors provided by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Survivors include his wife, Wanda S. Pickett; children, Stacie (Brian) Innie, Angie (Mike) Purvis, Jamie (Joe) Doss, Deona (Allen) Isbell and Sondra (Eugene Prickett) Pickett; brother, George “Mitch” (Linda) Pickett; sister, Sharon (Pat) Chandler; grandchildren, Samantha (Kevin Bilinski) Innie, Sydney (Derek Hughes) Innie, Jordan (Dalton) Brumett, Logan (Daniel) Wasson, Zachariah (Brittany) Baker, Isaac (Angie) Doss, Rylee Doss, Melissa Albright, Stephen Isbell, Cassie Gross, and Brandon Estes; 20 great-grandchildren. James is preceded in death by his parents, James and Frances Pickett; sisters, Frances Marie Butler and Debbie Pickett.