Obituary for James Madison Rickenbacker
Jim Rickenbacker of Winter Park, Florida, died suddenly and unexpectedly, Friday, February 25, 2022. Jim was born in Atlanta, September 24, 1950. He attended Atlanta public schools and graduated from Tennessee Military Institute. He was a graduate of Georgia Southern University where he majored in Journalism. For several years Jim was a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. He left the paper to work as a freelance journalist. Jim had a keen interest in interviewing and writing articles about people who had contributed to the community in ways that served the public good and helped others.
Jim was a very good golfer. He played less often in later years, but he followed golf closely. He had interviewed several notable professionals and told many stories about these encounters. In fact, he was a veritable storehouse of golf information, and many of these stories he imparted to his friend and golf commentator, Rich Lerner. Other interests included movies, history, and music. Latterly Jim was an announcer with Ocean Waves Radio. He would introduce songs with full accounts, when he thought it was important, of the recording history of each song.
Jim Rickenbacker lived a life of service to others. He contributed resources, often through Christian organizations, to helping people in the community. He believed that those who had gone astray, even those who had committed serious crimes could be redeemed through God’s grace. Jim was devout but no stuffed shirt. He was funny. He talked openly about his own transgressions and mistakes with both humor and seriousness.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Barney and Dorothy Callaway Rickenbacker. He is survived by his brother, Barney Rickenbacker, Jr now residing in Rochester, New York, several cousins, and his fiancée, Patricia Kingsland of Winter Springs, Florida.
The funeral service and burial will be by private arrangement. There will be a Memorial Service for all who wish to attend, Wednesday, March 16th, 10:30 a.m. at Willow Creek Church, 4725 East Lake Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708.
From the life he led, Jim would wish that contributions be made instead of flowers. These contributions can be made to Christian organizations and charities helping individuals and families in straitened circumstances. The Willow Creek Church community may also offer suggestions.
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Jim was a very good golfer. He played less often in later years, but he followed golf closely. He had interviewed several notable professionals and told many stories about these encounters. In fact, he was a veritable storehouse of golf information, and many of these stories he imparted to his friend and golf commentator, Rich Lerner. Other interests included movies, history, and music. Latterly Jim was an announcer with Ocean Waves Radio. He would introduce songs with full accounts, when he thought it was important, of the recording history of each song.
Jim Rickenbacker lived a life of service to others. He contributed resources, often through Christian organizations, to helping people in the community. He believed that those who had gone astray, even those who had committed serious crimes could be redeemed through God’s grace. Jim was devout but no stuffed shirt. He was funny. He talked openly about his own transgressions and mistakes with both humor and seriousness.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Barney and Dorothy Callaway Rickenbacker. He is survived by his brother, Barney Rickenbacker, Jr now residing in Rochester, New York, several cousins, and his fiancée, Patricia Kingsland of Winter Springs, Florida.
The funeral service and burial will be by private arrangement. There will be a Memorial Service for all who wish to attend, Wednesday, March 16th, 10:30 a.m. at Willow Creek Church, 4725 East Lake Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708.
From the life he led, Jim would wish that contributions be made instead of flowers. These contributions can be made to Christian organizations and charities helping individuals and families in straitened circumstances. The Willow Creek Church community may also offer suggestions.
To plant a tree in memory of James Madison Rickenbacker, visit the Tribute Store.
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