James Leonard Pickett Obituary (2024)

James Leonard Pickett went home to his Lord and Savior on December 24, 2024. Born the eldest son to James Carl Pickett and Annie Thelma Mason of Huntland, TN on March 9, 1940, he remained a proud Tennessee native till his final day, and was fond of the saying "if you wear out just one pair of shoes in Tennessee, you'll never want to leave." Even as he relocated to Washington, Alaska, and back to Washington, he embodied the spirit of the Volunteer State, always willing to help others and even serving in the U.S. Army for more than four years. Stationed at the Yakima Training Center, he met the love his life, Ruth Marie Dykes, to whom he never tired of reciting the line "Are you from Tennessee? Because you're the only ten I see." They were married in 1960, and together they built a life in Yakima where they raised their three sons, James, William, and Leonard. A proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 302 and the Alaska Teamsters, James was a welder by trade, working on projects as far away as Kodiak, AK and as large as the Trans-Alaska pipeline. He was known by his peers for his strong work ethic and highly skilled craftsmanship. Those who loved him will remember him for his southern charm, his outgoing willingness to speak to anyone and everyone, and his devotion to his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Paul William, Cecil Clay, and sister Mary Ethel. He is survived by his sisters, Kay and Evelyn, wife Ruth, his sons, James (Michelle), William (Laura), and Leonard (Misti), seven grandchildren, and a still-growing number of great grandchildren. James Leonard Pickett will be laid to rest in the same Tennessee red clay upon which he was raised. Genesis 3:19 "In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." Celebrations of life will be held in both Yakima, WA and Huntland, TN.