James "Jim" A. Bickel

James A. (Jim) Bickel left this world for his place in Heaven on October 31, 2016.

He was born October 28, 1932 in Muleshoe, Texas to Bradley Henry and Hattie Mae (Moore) Bickel. He grew up on a farm near Lazbuddie, Texas. He attended public school in Muleshoe and college at Texas Tech. He was an outstanding athlete in high school sports. He also won several Golden Glove boxing tournaments in Lubbock, Texas. He only lost on fight in his career and that was by decision. Jim used his experience as a boxer to teach at the Boys Club in Synder, TX. He loved kids and was always available for a street football or basketball game. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed having cattle. Jim loved to train bird dogs and of course enjoyed hunting. Fishing, also, was a favorite pastime.

Jim lost the love of his life, Charlene, in 2012.

He is survived by his son, Stan and wife, Gayle; his daughter, Charlsa Franz; grandchildren, Jennifer Sturgeon and husband, Dave, Brian Bickel and wife, Megan, Brett and Brad Bickel, Ashley, Jessie, and Ali Franz; great grandchildren, Cole, Copper, Quinn, Charlie, C.J., Justin, Toby, Dylan, Mark, and Aubrey.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 4 at the Ballinger Wool and Mohair Building at 608 Railroad Avenue. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 5 at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger.

Jim’s last request was for an absentee voter ballot by mail. Oh, how he loved his country!

He was a Mason and thought highly of the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Memorials can be sent to the Scottish Rite Hospital or the Carnegie Library.

The family appreciates the Ballinger Community, Ballinger Memorial Hospital, and Ballinger Home Health and Hospice.