James Thomas Pickard Sr.

James T. Pickard Sr., otherwise known as Jim, will be laid to rest at a private ceremony at Jacksonville National Cemetery. He served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Rich during the Vietnam War (1962-1965). A celebration of life will follow on January 2, 2026, at Hardage - Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This will be a time to stop by and pay respects to his family and friends, and share a story or two with a stranger, just like Jim would do.

James Pickard was a well known resident of Jacksonville, FL, where he was an Industrial Arts teacher and coach for over 30 years with the Duval County School System. He served his earlier years at Ft. Caroline Middle School, followed by a long tenure at Landon Middle School, and concluded his service at Ed White High School.

James was also a reservist with the Game and Freshwater Fish Commission from 1983-2015 and was passionate about helping facilitate boating and hunting education courses in North Florida.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Frances

Pickard. He leaves behind his eldest daughter Jan Wilson and son in-law Todd Wilson of Jacksonville, FL; daughter Joyce Claassen and son in-law Mark Claassen of Nashville, TN; son Jay Pickard and daughter in-law Julie Pickard of Jacksonville, FL as well as 10 cherished grandchildren. We encourage all those who knew him as family, friend, neighbor, and especially students who knew him as Mr. Pickard, to share your Jim Pickard stories through Dignity Memorial Online as well as attend the Celebration of life memorial on Friday January 2nd, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to local charities like Mission House Jax , Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, or any Wildlife Conservation Organization.