James "Jim" Pickerill

James “Jim” Pickerill, age 92, of Mayfield Heights, Ohio passed on March 23, 2026. Revered husband of Sue Anne Pickerill (deceased) for 66 years. Adored father of Theodore (Dawn), Virginia “Gingy” Lennon (William) and Robert (Amilia); beloved grandfather of Alexandra (Jonathan) and Christopher Pickerill, William “Billy”, Charles and Aubrey Lennon, James, John "Jack" and Josephine Pickerill. Proud brother to Leonard (deceased) and Janet. Jim was born and raised in Hillsboro, Illinois. He enlisted in the Navy in 1951 (and later, his two sons each graduated from the Naval Academy). Through the G.I. Bill, he was the first member of his family to attend college. While attending Southern Illinois University, he met Sue, the love of his life. He went on to receive his master’s in education at the University of Illinois, and he and Sue began careers as schoolteachers. His career in education eventually led to him becoming a school principal. By age 35, Jim was ready for a career change, and a chance meeting with an old colleague led to him transitioning into a role at the FBI, where he served as a Special Agent until his mandatory retirement in 1989. Shortly thereafter, Jim transitioned into the most important role of his career: a full-time grandfather. Making the jump from his home in Canton, Ohio to Mayfield Heights, he was a fixture at nearly every school play or sporting event his grandkids took part in, most notably volleyball, golf, baseball, tennis, and squash. He was a fixture in his grandchildren’s lives, from getting them on the bus in the morning to helping with homework to grabbing increasingly expensive cups of coffee to discuss life and all that was happening in the world. He was a model of commitment and loyalty. In his sterling career in the FBI, the state of Kentucky named him a Kentucky Colonel. He received a commendation from the city of New Castle, PA, for playing a major role in the rescue of a hostage during a shootout in Cook Forest in deep snow and freezing weather. In a career that included brave actions such as catching bank robbers, tracking down escaped fugitives, and busting illegal gambling rings, Jim received commendations from three FBI directors in J. Edgar Hoover, Clarence Kelley, and William Webster. Whether it be in the FBI or in his personal life, however, it was never about words or praise to Jim. It was about his deeds. He woke up every morning and served his family and community with a clear heart and mind, and a sense of humor that suggested doing the right thing was something to embrace and enjoy. All donations should be made to: United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, 247 George Street, Annapolis, Maryland, 21402. Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Monday March 30 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6850 Mayfield Rd. Gates Mills, OH 44040. Please meet at Church. Interment Knollwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at THE DiCICCO AND SONS FUNERAL HOME 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS., OH SUNDAY 2 TO 5 PM. Online condolences and guest registry www.diciccoandsonsfh.com