James Hugh Pickett

James “Jim" Hugh Pickett, 82, a resident of Kearney, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, at Liberty Hospital. Jim was born the first of four children to Hugh Thompson Pickett and Naomi Francis (Koontz) Pickett in San Francisco, California. He graduated from Carlmont High School (San Mateo, California) and completed an associate’s degree at Everett Community College (Everett, Washington). Jim proudly joined the United States Air Force in 1963. He was stationed at Richards-Gebaur AFB (Kansas City, Missouri) and bravely served in Vietnam in 1965-1966. On April 18, 1965, Jim was united in marriage to Nancy Ann Minnick of Lock Springs, Missouri. They celebrated 59 years of matrimony, and were the proud parents of two children, Christopher Hugh Pickett and Cheryl Ann (Pickett) Bruner.

Jim built a career as a vehicle and aircraft mechanic laborer working for numerous companies over the years, including Boeing, TransWorld Airlines (TWA), Greyhound Bus, and American Airlines (retired). Jim is remembered fondly as hard-working, honest, salt-of-the-earth, friendly man who loved his family, work, and hobbies whole-heartedly and unconditionally.

Jim was an active and dedicated member of the Faubion United Methodist Church (Gladstone), a proud Freemason, American Legion member, and Ararat Shriner. He also often volunteered at the EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh, WI) and local Kansas City chapters. Jim was passionate about aircraft and flying throughout his entire life; he held a private, instrument, and commercial pilot’s license, A&P/IA ratings, and built and flew small planes for over 60 years.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and son, Christopher. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Pickett of Kearney, Missouri; daughter, Cheryl Bruner (Bryan) of Kearney, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Heather Pickett (Chris) of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Sina, Mara, Ian, Molly, Talia, and Megan; step-sister, Lisa Eckert (Danny); sister-in law, Roberta Pickett (David) of Pioneer, California; and niece, Brandi Clark (Mike) of Pioneer, California.

A visitation (10:00am – 11:30am) and memorial service (11:30am - 12:30pm) is scheduled for Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, Missouri, 64119. All are welcome to attend and to remember and celebrate Jim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Jim’s church of 53 years, Faubion United Methodist, 7113 N. Troost Ave, Gladstone, Missouri, 64118.