James was born on January 1, 1936 in Redan, GA to Theodore Roosevelt and Estelle Rice Pickens. On June 1, 1957, he married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Pickens. He was a loving father to Toni Butler, James Scott and Kim Pickens, and J Kelly and Matt Winking. James was a proud grandfather, fondly called “Paw Paw", to Josh Butler, Krista Pickens, Justin Winking, and Timothy James (T.J.) Winking. In 1997, James retired as a service technician from AT&T after 41 years of dedicated service. James had a passion for UGA football, gardening, hunting, fishing, and working outdoors. He was known for his kind and compassionate spirit and devotion to his family. He will be greatly missed and in our hearts always and forever.
James was preceded in death by his father, Theodore, his mother, Estelle, and his sisters, Sarah Jean King, Phyllis Herb, and Beverly Davis.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, their three children, Toni, Scott, and Kelly, and their four grandchildren, Josh, Krista, Justin and T.J., and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors at Eternal Hills Funeral Home and Cremation in Snellville, GA on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 1:00-2:00 with funeral services immediately following at Eternal Hills Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
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