James Richard Bickerstaff

James Richard Bickerstaff, 74, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, at his home.

Graveside Services will be held 1:00pm, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Ruhamah Cemetery, Rantoul, Kansas.

James was born Saturday, February 18, 1950, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of James W. “Bill” and Olive (Poe) Bickerstaff.

He was a lifelong resident of the Franklin County and Ottawa area.

James graduated from Ottawa High School in Ottawa, Kansas with the class of 1968.

He was an automobile mechanic his entire life and helped with the family farm.

James served in the United States Navy for eighteen years serving in Vietnam and Desert Storm.

He enjoyed gardening, reading, working on vehicles, watching movies, and attending family gatherings and dinners.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Olive.

Survivors include daughters Shelly Bickerstaff of Johnson City, Tennessee, Wendy Bickerstaff also of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Heather Woodruff of Kansas; sons Justin Bickerstaff of Ottawa, Kansas, and Larry Bickerstaff also of Ottawa, Kansas; sisters Brenda Albert and Barbara Mowat both of Ottawa, Kansas; and many grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 5901 of Ottawa c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.