James H (Jim) Pickett was born May 24, 1928, in Sheridan, Indiana. A lifelong resident passed away on June 5, 2026

He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1947. Jim served in the United States Air Force from October 1948 through September 1952. He volunteered to go overseas and was stationed in Tachikawa, Japan where he was an instructor in aircraft and engine maintenance with the 8th Air Force (B29s). He was also stationed in Kisarazu Japan and then Iwakuni Japan which is off the south tip of the main island of Japan.

After the service he worked at Hare’s Appliances in Noblesville for 5 years. He then went into business with his brother Don in the appliance business for a couple of years. After that, he worked for I.U. Medical Center for 5 years in the electronics shop. That got Jim started in the X-Ray business working for a variety of X-Ray companies over the years. He went into business for himself in 1976 and successfully ran his own X-Ray company until he retired in 1991. Jim also started his own gun shop about 1968 that he ran as a part time business for many years.

Jim was a member of the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department for 36 years and was the assistant Fire Chief for 25 years. Jim and Donna served Meals on Wheels for 35 years. Jim was President and then Executive Director of the Sheridan Historical Society for 42 years.

Jim has been a member of Sheridan United Methodist Church since 1946, attended Boxley United Methodist Church prior to that and was on the cradle roll at Bakers Corner Wesleyan Church. All of his ancestors were Quakers dating back to 1700.

While a member of Sheridan United Methodist Church he was a trustee for many years and was on the Mission Committee for ~20 years, during which time he volunteered in the Kentucky missions for over 10 years.

Jim was Grand Marshall of the 2016 Sheridan 4th of July parade and in 2017 he was named Sheridan High School Outstanding Alumni. Jim was also a Boy Scout leader for Troop 118 for over 10 years. He was on the Cemetery Boards at West Grove Cemetery and Spicewood Cemetery for 30 years. He and Donna were members of Euchre club for over 50 years. Jim was a member of Sheridan American Legion Post 67 where he served on the military funeral honor guard presenting at over 200 funerals during the course of 30 some years.

On April 24, 1955, Jim married Donna Jo Eccles, the love of his life, who preceded Jim in death in 2018.

Jim's children, Linda Pickett (Judy Graham) of Sheridan. Beth Pickett Welch (Greg) of Sheridan, Dr Jay Pickett (Nancy) of Austin, TX. Janice Pickett Millikan (Jeff) of Sheridan.

Grandchildren: Matt (Stacey) Millikan of Noblesville, Dylan Millikan, and Emma Millikan of Sheridan. Chris Pickett of Austin, Dr. Stephen (Dr. Kim Ho) Pickett of Houston, Dr. Grant (Dr. June) Pickett of Houston, and Kelly (Jonathan) Billiot of Pflugerville, TX. Garrett Welch of Sheridan and Owen Welch of Indianapolis.

Great-grandchildren: Sophia, Sarah, and Megan Millikan of Noblesville. James, Warren, and Evelyn Pickett of Houston. Cohen, Aria, Ezra, and Elias Billiot of Pflugerville, TX.

Survived by his brother Dick Pickett and his sister Ruth Pickett Smith Sanders, both of Sheridan.

Preceding Jim in death is his parents William Leon Pickett and Bernice Lorene Phillips Pickett. His wife Donna Jo Eccles Pickett, his daughter Beth Pickett Welch, his grandson Dylan Millikan, and his brothers Bryce and Don Pickett.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday June 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Sheridan United Methodist Church located at 207 E. 2nd St. in Sheridan; where family and friends are invited to gather from 11:00 am till time of services, burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Sheridan United Methodist Church or Phi Beta Psi Sorority 36 Homestead Dr. Sheridan, Indiana 46069. Everyone is invited to sign the online book, leave a condolence, or share a memory at fisherfamilyfunerals.com. Fisher Family Funeral services is honored to serve the Pickett Family.