James Dale Ricker

James Dale Ricker, 86, of Caseville, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at home under hospice care.

Jim was born January 14, 1934 in Brookfield Twp to the late Vernon Sr. and Ida (Diener) Ricker. He graduated from Owendale High School in 1953. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served 2 years. He married Joann Proudfoot in 1954; she died a year later in an automobile accident. On April 26, 1958 he married Dolores (Dolly) Monkaba in Sebewaing.

He worked as a pest control professional for 35 years and owned Thumb Pest Control, and later joined his son Dale at Bad Axe Pest Control. He was a member of the Popple Trailblazers, Caseville Eagles and Owendale Lions, where he was recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow for 50 years of humanitarian service. Jim emceed many events and was known for his humor and storytelling. He enjoyed entertaining others accompanied by his musician friends, known as the Jim Jammers.

Jim is survived by his wife Dolly; children Cheryl (David)Roberts of Richardson, Texas, Dale (Kelly) of Filion and Lon of Wylie, Texas; grandchildren Michelle (Patrick) McLaughlin, Rachel (Tiare) Roberts, Sarah (James) Henry, Hannah Roberts, David Roberts Jr., Whitney (Alex) Peyerk and Garret Ricker; great-grandchildren Claire, Celia, Katherine, Josiah, Ophelia, Leo and Amelia. He was preceded in death by brother Vernon Jr and sister Beverly Bailey.

Private funeral services will be held at Champagne Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Grant Twp Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Leader Dogs for the Blind.