James F. Bricker

James F. Bricker, age 65, of Oscoda and formerly of Saginaw died Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, at his home after a long battle with sarcoidosis.
He was born on May 6, 1944, in Saginaw to Alwyn and Gertrude (nee Dymond) Bricker. Jim graduated from Saginaw High School in 1962. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S. Providence, where he was a nuclear technician.
Jim married his wife of 25 years, Nancy (nee Miller), on Nov. 23, 1983, in Tawas City. He served on the NEMCSA board and also on the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Committee when the marathon was first established. Jim volunteered as a pastor at Tawas Village and was also a tremendous animal lover. He was the most wonderful dad in the world.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Anthony (a.k.a. Tony) Bricker of Oscoda; and his daughter, Stacey (Tony) Barnes of Curtisville. He is also survived by his brother, Jack (Bev) Bricker of Michigan City, Ind.; his grandchildren, Autumn Moore of Oscoda and Zachary and Jonathan Barnes of Curtisville; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alwyn and Gertrude; and his sister, Nancy Yaw.
A memorial service and luncheon will be held at First Baptist Church, 401 Second Street, Tawas City, on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dwight Kingsbury officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or Tawas St. Joseph Hospice. Arrangements are by Buresh-Bennett Funeral Homes, Inc., in Oscoda.