James Clifford Pickens, 75, of Rose Hill, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 07, 2024. James was born was born May 16, 1949, in Doniphan, MO, the son of Herman and Beulah Pickens, Sr.

The Pickens family moved to Garden City, KS where James worked in construction and as a laborer during his teenage years. James later joined the U.S. Navy on November 22, 1968, serving during the Vietnam War. James was honorably discharged to inactive reserve duty after assignment on the Fighter Squadron 121, NAS, Miramar, CA, on June 02, 1970. He was later Honorably Discharged from the Armed Forces on September 2, 1974.

James met his lifelong partner and love of his Life, Jane E. Montgomery in Wichita, KS. James and Jane married on October 24, 1970. James worked as a concrete finisher and he and Jane moved to Andover, KS where they raised their two children, Susan and David, and later moved to Rose Hill, KS.

James grew up with a love for music. He often could be found with a guitar in hand. He enjoyed playing at his local church, playing and singing country and western, and some occasional rhythm and blues. James also could never pass up a good yard sale or flea market.

James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jane Pickens, son David (Julee Cathcard) Pickens, brothers Herman Pickens, Jr. and Larry (Betty) Pickens; sisters Mary Lou Morris and Janice Thacker; and many nieces and nephews. James is proceeded in death by his parents Herman and Buelah, his daughter Susan Elsen, brothers William, Leroy, Billy, Wilfred and Charles Pickens; and sisters Matha Tiemeyer and Shirley Zwierzynski.

Services will be held Friday, August 16 at 11:00 am at Baker Funeral Home Chapel, 6100 E. Central, Wichita, KS. Military Cemetery Service will be at 1:00 pm at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, 1208 N College St., Winfield, KS 67156.