James N. Rickabaugh

James N. Rickabaugh, a man of God, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022. He was so many things to so many people. A devoted husband for 50 years to Patsy (Patti), loving father to Patrick (Jen), Kenneth and Michelle (Micah) Caldwell, "Papa" to grandchildren Chris and Lucas and cherished brother of Robert (the late Sherry), John (Rosamond) and the late Donna.
He loved his family and friends, God, golfing, camping, woodworking, being outdoors and especially just being with those he loved. His love of family was evident in so many ways from wanting to make sure he was home early enough to get a kiss from his wife before she went to bed to always helping his kids with their broken appliances to always having time for one more wrestle with a grandson.
He traveled often – to visit family and friends, to help someone that needed it, to build houses for Habitat for Humanity or just for the solitude of the outdoors. He was quietly generous and giving, from helping the neighbor across the street to cutting someone's grass simply because he saw they needed help. You didn't have to ask him, if he saw a need he offered to help or just did it anyway. He kept his struggles to himself but wanted to help you with yours. It didn't stop with friends and neighbors; he helped so many charities over the years, either financially or by volunteering his time or service and he enjoyed doing it. He was active in the church, leading an ushering team, fundraising, and organizing and attending events.
He could be the social butterfly or the quiet one observing, he was caring, sarcastic, logical, funny, tough and stubborn. He chose not to be ticklish and made it so. He chose how he would live his life and made it so. He decided he wanted to marry the woman who threatened to break his arm the first time she met him and made it so. He chose how his ailments would and would not affect him and made it so. He was the example of powering through and living your best life. He was always there for all of us, whatever we needed, whether it was a conversation or a hug, a borrowed tool or a laugh. There is so much of him in his children and grandchildren that he will never be gone.
He is so loved, he will be so missed.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions to Gleaners Food Bank or Shriners in James's honor are appreciated.
Visitation and services will be held at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights on Friday, January 21st, from 3pm until 9pm and on Saturday, January 22nd from 9am until noon with a Service immediately following.