James F. "Jim" Rickard

James F. "Jim" Rickard, 64

July 31, 1957-August 12, 2021

James F. "Jim" Rickard, 64, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 12, 2021. Jim was born on July 31, 1957 in Butte, MT, the son of James and Ceil Ann (Dolan) Rickard.

As a young child the family moved to Billings where Jim later graduated from Billings West High School in 1976. He married Lorena McJunkin on July 10, 1982 and while they later divorced, they remained close friends and centered in each other's lives. Jim worked for Whitewood Transportation for 22 years as a dispatcher where he enjoyed talking to the drivers and the customers. Jim enjoyed fishing, golfing and coaching his children's and then grandchildren's sports teams. Those who had the honor to know him, always talk about how he lived his life to always help others and to do anything for anyone. He was our gentle giant who gave the best hugs. The hole he leaves in the lives of his friends, family, and colleagues is immeasurable.

Jim is survived by his parents Jim and Ceil Ann Rickard of Laurel, brother John (Colleen) Rickard of Billings, sister Eileen (Joe) Elliott of Minnesota, Aunt Judy Dolan of Butte; his children, Chandra(Brian) Haun of Laurel, Cameron(Tara) Rickard of Billings, and Kylie Rickard of Billings, and the lights of his life, his grandchildren: Ethney and Bianca Haun, Ethan Crawford, Riley, Raiden, and Corbin Rickard. Nephews, Patrick(Tiffany) Rickard of Billings, Luke(Jessica) Elliott of California, Ben(Nadia) Elliott Arizona, Carter Elliott of New York, and Chaz Elliot of Minnesota. Niece, Kelly (Anthony) Rickard of Billings. He is also survived by numerous cousins who he loved dearly.

Celebrations of Jim's life will take place at 11:00 AM, Friday August 20, 2021 at Dahl's Funeral Chapel located at 10 Yellowstone Ave in Billings, Montana. Graveside Services will follow at Laurel Cemetery with reception to follow at the Masonic Lodge, located at 9900 Airport Rd in Laurel, Montana. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for random acts of kindness because that would be the perfect tribute to the type of person Jim was to anyone he met.