James William Ricketson

James William Ricketson    March 16, 1941 – March 18, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James William Ricketson, 84, of Hazlehurst, who peacefully entered his heavenly home on March 18, 2025. Born on March 16, 1941, in Jeff Davis County, James was the son of the late Joseph Jackson Ricketson and Mamie Holton Ricketson.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, James honorably served during the Vietnam War. He later built a lifelong career in industrial maintenance, working diligently for four different manufacturing companies in Hazlehurst over five decades, retiring from Alco Controls. A man of strong work ethic and quiet dedication, he always took pride in providing for his family. Beyond his career, James was a man of simple joys—he loved working on the farm, reading and following the pursuits of his grandchildren. He was a devoted NASCAR fan and he has watched virtually every Atlanta Falcons football game from the beginning of the franchise in 1967. James lived what he called “a wonderful life.” He was a member of Southside Baptist Church for more than 40 years. His kind heart, warm smile, and unwavering love will forever be remembered.

James is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Tommie Jean Ricketson of Hazlehurst; his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Michelle Ricketson of Hinesville and Mike and Denys Ricketson of Hazlehurst; five grandchildren, Lorin Ricketson (Amanda) of Waycross, Maggie Houston (Michael) of Pendleton, SC, Addie Carpenter (Chelsea) of Hinesville, Kasey Harrell (Cole) of Hazlehurst, and Mikah Ricketson of Hazlehurst; and his great-grandchildren, Austin Nipper and Lane Ricketson of Waycross, Lyla Harrell of Hazlehurst, and Thomas Houston of Pendleton, SC. He is also survived by his brothers, Joe Ricketson of Bay Springs, Mississippi, and J.L. Ricketson (Vicki) of Baxley, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Myrtice Foskey, and brothers, Tilman Rex Ricketson, Floyd Milton Ricketson, and Harry Martin Ricketson.

Graveside funeral services will take place at the Hazlehurst City Cemetery on Friday, March 21st at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bryan Herrington officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Phillip Ricketson, Gary Ricketson, Kenneth Ricketson, Lee Ricketson, Austin Nipper and Cole Harrell.

Honorary pallbearers will be all friends in attendance.

The family may be contacted at the residence, 112 M.A. McNeal Drive, Hazlehurst, GA.

Swain Funeral Home of Baxley is handling the arrangements for James William Ricketson.

Though he is no longer with us, the love he shared and the lessons he taught will remain in our hearts

forever.