James H. Rickel

Rickel, James Hubert Joined his wife Beverly in Heaven on December 9, 2015. Jim was born in claypool, Indiana on July 13, 1924. From an article in the St. Petersburg Times by Robert Henderson on May 1986. "After 2 1/2 years in the Air Force during WWII. He went to work for one of three firms in Fort Wayne that manufactured gasoline pumps. But he decided there was more to life than that. So he enrolled at the Arthur Jordan conservatory of Music, which was affiliated with Butler university in Indianapolis. Jim spent the first 10 years after graduation directing junior high and high school bands in Indiana, four years in Medaryville and six in Fowler." There was a band director opportunity/opening in pinellas county FL. Where he and Bev moved in 1959. "Jim became the Band Director at the old Clearwater Junior High in 1959. In 1964, Clearwater junior high school was closed, replaced by the new John f Kennedy junior high on palmetto street. Jim made the switch and was kennedy's only band director." His retirement was 1986. Thus, his quote, "strike up the band, here comes Jim Rickel." He directed choirs for Lutheran churches in Indiana, First and Bethel in Clearwater and Resurrection in Franklin NC. He was a member of the American School Band Directors and attended their National Conventions. His other love beside family and friends was his home NC and traveling with Bev worldwide. Recently preceded in death was his daughter Lynette Tenace. Jim (Hub) is survived by his children: Gerry (Liz), Renee (jimmy), and Todd. His sister sue Leedy, grandchildren: Andrew (Colleen), Leah (Blake), sarah (Matt), Kayla. Son in law Steve. Visitation will be held at Sylvia abbey on December 14th from 3:00-6:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 3166 McMullen Booth Rd. On December 15th at 11:00 am. Memorials in Jim's name may be made to the music ministries offs Bethel Lutheran church in Clearwater, Resurrection Lutheran Church, box 2215, Franklin NC 28744 or Christ the King Lutheran church, 11220 oakhurst rd, Largo Fl 33774