Jim Bickel

Jim Bickel Resident of San Mateo Jim passed away peacefully with his family at his side on February 7, after suffering a stroke. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Betty, his sons Lance, Tim, Dan, and Todd, daughter-in-laws Georgeen, Becky, Carol, and Heather, grandchildren Eric, Brent, Leann, Taylor, DJ, Alison, Erica, Julia, and many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Jim was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. As a child, Jim was a regular radio performer on WMBD's Juvenile Theater. After graduating from Woodruff High School in 1942, the family relocated to San Francisco. Jim briefly served stateside in the Army during the end of World War 2. In June of 1949, Jim married Betty Lee O'Banion whose family had also relocated to San Jose from Peoria. Jim worked various bookkeeping and accounting positions until retiring from the Santa Clara County Office of Education in 1985. While working full time and raising four sons, he went back to night school and obtained his BS in Accounting from San Francisco State. In 1978, a church talent show got him back into singing and dancing, which he continued into retirement. He appeared in over 40 musicals all over the Bay Area, winning awards and admiration from his fellow performers and audiences alike. He also performed at numerous social and charity events. One of his career highlights was his performance in the movie "Mad City" where he got to meet Dustin Hoffman. He loved his dogs, gardening and his annual trips to Maui. Jim will be truly missed by his family, friends, and theater goers all over the Bay Area. A celebration of his life will be held at Hillsdale United Methodist Church, 303 West 36th Ave in San Mateo on Saturday, March 27th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable donations be made to the Peninsula Humane Society or a favorite charity of your choice.