At the age of 90 our beloved husband and father went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on March 26, 2013. Born on February 13, 1923 in Burbank, CA to Marjorie Marie Thrasher and Lewis Rickman, he moved with his family as a young boy to Santa Rosa, CA. In 1942, at the age of 19, he was sworn in as a US Naval air cadet, and after training flew in dive bomber Squadron 89 based aboard the USS Antietam. He flew anti-submarine patrol off the East Coast and then air cover for the surrender of bases and liberation of P.O.W. camps in China and Korea. He received several commendations for meritorious service. As the appointed officer in charge of decommissioning the 89th squadron, he concluded his military service honorably as a full Lieutenant. Returning to Santa Rosa he married Rosemary Harbold in 1947. They had two children, Susan and Timothy.
After a rewarding 30-year professional life as an independent insurance agent he was appointed the first Risk Manager for the County of Sonoma in 1980 and served in that capacity until he retired in 1990. Moving to Santa Barbara in 2000 he pursued his favorite hobby of woodcarving and enjoyed working in the woodshop at Valle Verde Retirement Community.
Jim was a kind, generous, humble man, strong in character, wisdom, and patience, who had a genuine interest in others. He held his faith in God deeply, was a great husband and father, and will be missed by his family, care givers, and numerous friends at Vista Del Monte and Calvary Baptist Church. Besides his wife of 65 years, Rosemary, his daughter Susan Savage and son-in-law Dennis Savage of Santa Barbara survive him. His son Timothy preceded him in death in 2008.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday April 20 at 2:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 736 W. Islay Street. Gifts in memory of James M. Rickman may be made to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, 353 Yanonali Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.
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