James Paludan Bicket

He graduated from Columbus High School in Columbus Nebraska in 1980. After High School he proudly served his country as part of the US Navy, his service included duties in Virginia on the USS Independence, Alameda, CA on the USS Abraham Lincoln, Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA, on the USS Constellation in San Diego, CA before returning home to Omaha to finish his military service at Offutt Air Force Base, Before retiring with the designation AO1 (AW)

During this time he was blessed with 3 children, Shawna, James, and Chantelle.

After serving in the military, he began his new career of bus driver for Laidlaw/First student, which he thoroughly enjoyed for 21+ years before forced to retire due to health complications.

James is survived by mother, Patty Dowsett; fiancée, Madeline Pierce; brother, John Paul Bicket; sister, Laurie Applegarth; daughters, Shawna (Nick) Butler, Chantelle (Philip) Landry; son, James Bicket; grandchildren, Hali Bicket, Marshall Bicket, Isabelle Landry, Samantha Butler, PJ Landry, Nathan Butler, and Evelyn Landry; and countless nieces and nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by, grandparents, Creighton Wallace (Helen) Bicket and Reinhardt (Katherine) Paludan; and father, Rev. Creighton William Bicket.

He was a member of the United Methodist church, the Mason’s, along with membership with VFW Post 3421.

Our family appreciates all the prayers, kind words, and positive vibes sent our way, near and far.

Visitation will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106, on May 30, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on May 30, 2026, beginning at 12:00 pm.

A pending graveside with military honors will take place at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd, Omaha, Nebraska 68138.