James (Jim) Deal Pickard, 77, of Flagstaff, Arizona, peacefully went home to the Lord with family by his side on April 24, 2020.

Jim was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Mr. and Mrs. James and Helen Pickard. He grew up with siblings Joseph and Margaret. Jim completed his education in Charlotte, NC and would mention spending time with Richard Petty during the days of moonshine running.  In his youth, he joined Civil Air Patrol where he learned to fly.  He become an avid ham radio operator and contributed to the television, radio and short-wave communities.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Officer and RF-4 pilot during the Vietnam War. During his military career, he served in Korea, Ethiopia and Vietnam, along with a number of stateside military assignments.

Jim and family later moved to Derry, New Hampshire where he served as a police officer for the Derry police department.  During the 1980's he established a successful electronics and cellular telephone business well before the widespread use of cellphones.

In 1990, Jim moved to Phoenix, Arizona and then to Flagstaff.  He started a third career and served 20 years at Camp Navajo Army Depot as a communications officer.  Jim was always ready to lend a hand and was known for his strong work ethic. Coworkers often came to his office just to visit.  He found joy in trouble-shooting electronics, fishing with his wife, studying astronomy, collecting all things Star Wars and Star Trek, and spending time with family.

Beloved husband of wife Leslie Pickard for 38 years. Loving father of Ralph (Martha) Pickard, Michelle (Gerald) Richard, Janice (Matthew) Oliver, Bradley (Carmella) Percy, and Stefanie Menard. He was preceded in death by son James "Jimmy" Pickard.  Jim had six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jim loved the Lord and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He had been a faithful servant on the technical team at Christ Church of Flagstaff for many years. His family was the pride of his life.  He was known for his kind and gentle spirt and a friend to all.

A memorial and celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo Army Depot. The service will be held at a future date. Information will be posted on Norvell Funeral Home's website.

Rest in peace