James Harrison Rickard

James Harrison Rickard, 96, dubbed the “Sweetest Lil’ Feller Everybody Knows,” peacefully departed this earth on Sunday, July 21, 2024. A proud lifelong Berkeley County, WV resident, he was born on January 3, 1928, in Hedgesville to the late Anna Mary and William Harrison Rickard. He was well known to friends, family, and the community for his vibrant personality. He was a member of Hedgesville United Methodist Church.

Jimmy is survived by one daughter, Sally Unger (Greg) of Berkeley Springs; one granddaughter, Jasmine Unger, (Keith Young, fiancé) also of Berkeley Springs; sisters-in-law, Susanne Horner (Jerry) and Mary Ethel Michael Rickard; Brother-in-law, Gene Paige; nieces and nephews, Tyler Paige, John Michael (Robin), Scott Michael, Andrew Horner, Mark Horner (Tracy), Laura Horner-Whiting (B.J.), Jeannie Gilbert (Gregg), Tina Reifsneider (Chuck), Lisa Guzman (John), Nicole Crocker (Robert).

Jimmy has joined his loving wife of 67 years, Nancy Long Rickard (who passed in October 2022), and son, William DeNeen Rickard (who passed in July 1976). He is also predeceased by his sisters, Mary Hope Paige and Jean Lee Davenport.

Jimmy graduated from Hedgesville High in 1948, lettering in basketball, football and medaled in track. He served as Class President for four years, and also served as President of the Hedgesville High School Alumni Association in 1950. In 2001, he received the HHS Outstanding Alumni Award.

As a young man, Jimmy worked at Porterfield Orchard, Poisal’s Store, the Martinsburg Airport, Potomac Construction, Standard Lime and Stone, and was a VFW Youth Camp Counselor.

After high school, Jimmy worked for the B&O Railroad and attended Shepherd College (University). He enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Washington from 1950-54. He served at that post in the Communications Field and earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the “Navalairs” Wrestling Team and served as Manager.

Once back home, he resumed employment with the B&O Railroad in Baltimore, MD, working in the accounting office before transferring to the Martinsburg Shops and Roundhouse as a clerk. Jimmy was appointed Chief Clerk (B&O), retiring from CSX Transportation in 1987 after 38 years of service. In true Jimmy fashion, he stayed active in matters related to the Roundhouse by serving decades on their Authority Board and Artifacts Committee, helping to preserve the history of the B&O Railroad.

Jimmy was a committed and loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, a man of integrity, and a great citizen of his community and country. People were drawn to him because of his spirited personality and his athleticism. He had a natural ability to connect with others through his story-telling. He also loved nature, enjoyed trapping, fishing, and hunting. His interest in golf led to playing on 50+ golf courses all over the U.S. He and Nancy traveled extensively in the U.S., visiting all 50 state capitals. They were WVU Moun-taineer Fans, attending games with friends. They biked the entire C&O Canal. These life experiences were shared with many close friends and family.

After becoming a Boy Scout in 1941, he further served his community in several leadership roles as cubmaster, scoutmaster, and chairman. He helped in the construction of Camp Rock Enon.

He was active on the City Hospital Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Building and Planning Committee, and Secretary for the Hospital Gateway Foun-dation Board for many years, sharing his vision and insight to benefit the citizens of Berkeley County.

Jimmy’s leadership and passion were present in serving his community in other areas. He dedicated 29 years of service to the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board and was instrumental in the development of the Poor House Farm Park. He served as the Committee Chairman and volunteered extensively to develop the Park. Nancy and his dedicated service/ contributions later led to the renaming of the lake at Poor House Farm Park – “Rickard Lake.”

He embraced life and lived it fully. Of all his work and accomplish-ments, his family meant the most to him. He will be missed by the lives he touched.

Memorial contributions to honor his life may be made to a charity of your choice.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 29, 2024 at the Hedgesville United Methodist Church at 11:00 am with Chaplain Lindsey Arnold officiating.

Interment will be in Rosedale Cemetery.

The family will hold a reception at the Poor House Farm Park Barn following the burial.

Online condolences may be offered at www.Brown FuneralHomesWV.com.