James B. Rickaby

James B. Rickaby, age 88 passed away peacefully at home, May 24, 2020. James was born in Green Bay to the late Roland and Gladys Rickaby. James graduated from Nicolet High School in De Pere – Class of 1950. He was a lifelong resident of Green Bay.

He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in the winter of 1951. James received his basic training in Alameda, California and advanced training as a Military Police officer at Fort Gordon Georgia. He served on a patrol boat stationed at pier 9, New York City during the Korean war. While serving he married the love of his life, the late Joan Marie Smith at St. Boniface Church in De Pere, WI. in 1952, enjoying 59 years together until her death in 2012. 

James enjoyed spending time with his family, extended family and friends. He loved traveling, camping, picnics, which often resulted in a stop for his favorite treats– Mickey-lu’s burgers and ice cream. He especially enjoyed outdoor activities including gardening, wildlife watching, fishing and hunting. He worked part time for the Green Bay Packers as a member of the grounds crew throughout the 1960’s and 1970”s enjoying an up front view of the games. Later in life he enjoyed watching football and NASCAR on the “tube”. One of James most treasured memories of his Military career was being able to take part in the Honor Flight program in 2016.

James was especially proud of his family and was a great role model for them; Children - Jeffery (Cindy) of Florence, Jay (Patricia) of Brussels, Judy (Sam) of Crandon, Jane (Jeff) of Green Bay, and Jon (Amy) of Suamico. Grandchildren – Rebecca, Greg, Geoffrey, Adam, Justin, Sarah, Jason, Andrew, Christopher, Matthew, Emily Ryan, and Katherine. Great GrandChildren Gregory Chase, Ayden, Oliver, Chole, Aria, William Wyatt, Maverick, and Myles. He is further survived by his siblings Jean Natchwey of Bend, OR., Donna Beno of  Green Bay, WI., Jerry Rickaby of Wichita KS., and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

James was employed as a public servant working in Brown County until retiring in 1988. He volunteered as a Church Usher and Boy Scout leader while at Nativity of our Lord Parish and was a member of Ss. Edward and Isadore Parish in Flintville. He remained very active in serving others until his death most often growing flowers and vegetables as gifts for others.

There will be visitation at Lyndahl Funeral Home, Friday May 29, 2020 from 10am – 12 noon, with a prayer service at noon with Military Honors to follow. Burial will be private.

 James’ family would like to thank Unity Hospice, Brookview Meadows, as well as the medical staff that so graciously cared for him during the last few years. The family has also asked that no flowers or plants be sent, but if you wish there has been a Memorial Fund set up in his name.

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