James Franklin Rickert, Sr.

James Franklin "Jim" Rickert, Sr, 88, of Statesville, went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 13, 2017, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Jim was born May 18, 1928, in Iredell County and was the son of the late John Harton Rickert and Maude Edwards Rickert. He attended Central School and graduated from Scotts High School. On February 22, 1950, he married the love of his life, Estelle Pearson Rickert who died March 6, 2012. Jim was a route salesman for Waldensian Bakery Sunbeam Bread for over 35 years and in earlier years, enjoyed farming with his brother, Charles Rickert. He was a life-long member of Snow Creek United Methodist Church where he served on most committees and was treasurer of the cemetery fund. Jim was well known for his garden in the community, loved to sing, play golf, fish, play softball, and bowl. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles T. Rickert, sister, Ellen R. Leach, granddaughter, Lisa R. Fraley, and son-in-law, Brian Mason. Jim is survived by four children, James F. Rickert, Jr. (Carol), Patricia R. Benge (Rickey), John L. Rickert (Derinda), and Debbie R. Mason, all of Statesville; 12 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. His sister, Sue Rickert McLain of Salisbury, sister-in-law, Peggy Rickert of Statesville along his best friend and golfing buddy, Don Waters also survive. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Rickert will be conducted 4:00 PM Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Snow Creek UMC with Rev. Marsha Joyner and Rev. Gervase Hitch officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers will be grandsons, Robert Benge, Jamie Benge, Chris Mason, Matt Mason, John M. Rickert, and James F. Rickert, III. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at Snow Creek UMC. Memorials may be made to the Snow Creek UMC General Fund, c\o Brandon Johnson, 110 Kingsdale Lane, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Jim Rickert, Sr. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the Grace Team Nurses, Diane and Maria for their love and care of Mr. Rickert.