Staff Sergeant James Pickens III was born to James Pickens Sr. and Ethel Pickens in Chicago, Illinois, after James Pickens Sr and Ethel had James, they decided they did not like the big city. They moved to a small township outside of Kankakee, IL, James and his siblings were able to grow up away from the big city. James played sports, went hunting and fishing with his father and brother among other wholesome activities with good country living. James was very happy that he was able to grow up around a multitude of family and close friends.

When James became of age he joined the military, and enjoyed serving his country, traveling the world, and meeting all types of people. When James retired from the military he chose to open a restaurant named Choices for a while then moved on to become a Truck Driver, he had the opportunity to drive for several companies around the United States. While driving for these companies it allowed him to afford a well-established life for his family and to travel throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico for 27 years. this allowed James to be very knowledgeable of all subjects at hand, allowing him to advise at a moment's notice. He loved and enjoyed his family and close friends all over. When he retired he was able to talk and keep in touch everyday. James always believed in giving his all and doing his very best at whatever needed to be done. He was a good Son, Brother, Father, and an excellent Soldier amongst other things. He was the best husband, father and provider for his family and also was the greatest Grandfather as well, he enjoyed being a wonderful teacher of life to the grandbabies, nieces, and nephews and all. He will be truly missed by all that has met him over the years. He is survived by his Wife of 38 years, a Daughter, a Son, one grandson, three granddaughters, one brother, and three sisters.


James' favorite quotes :

THEODORE ROOSEVELT:
"We must dare to be great; we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage."

BENJAMIN DISRAELI:
"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example."

"Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering." Theodore Roosevelt

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 11:26 and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

Revelations 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Ecclesiastes 12:07: and the dust returns to the earth from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.