Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Pickrell Obituary
Portsmouth - James McCaw Pickrell, Sr. passed away at his home on December 30, 2017 in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on May 7, 1926 to George McCaw Pickrell and Sarah Powers Pickrell. He graduated from Churchland High School in 1944. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in England and Germany.
James was a graduate of the College of William & Mary (1950) and the Marshall Wythe School of Law at William & Mary (1952). Following graduation, he was an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He left the FBI to join the law firm of Kellam & Kellam in 1953. He practiced law for 62 years. The firm continues today as Kellam, Pickrell, Cox and Anderson.
He enjoyed a full life sailing for 30 years on his beloved "Paxtu" as well as extensive travel experiences.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother, George McCaw Pickrell, III; and granddaughter, Sarah Wesley Pickrell.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice Quick Pickrell; daughters Elizabeth P. Abiles (Jose) and Janice P. Anderson (James); son James M. Pickrell, Jr. (Amber); and grandchildren McGlensey P. Antonucci (Rick), Peter J. Abiles (Jessica), James N. Anderson, Courtney A. Mayo (Ben), James M. Pickrell, III and Robert W.Q. Pickrell.
His family would like to thank Dr. Kevin D. Wilson and Dr. Dae B. Chough for many years of excellent care.
A service will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 500 Court St., Portsmouth, Virginia. Burial will be at a later date at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. Memorial gifts may be made to the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, P. O. Box 2156, Norfolk, Virginia 23501-2156. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.
View the online memorial for James McCall James McCall
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Pickrell
Sponsored by the family.
Ron Hallman
December 28, 2024
I had many dealings with Jim through my law practice as Chesapeake City Attorney. He possessed high ethical standards and earned respect from all he interacted with. His long time secretary Martha Mae Baldwin was my neighbor in my youth and always spoke highly of him.
Margaret Cox
January 7, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family. I will always have such fond memories of Mr. Pickrell from attending the law firm's Christmas parties with my Dad when I was a kid. Such a warm and personable man. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
January 7, 2018
Dear Pickrell Family: We send you our love during this time. It was a joy to read the obituary for Jim's Dad and see a long life well lived! The Browns
Williams Family
January 6, 2018
You have loss someone very special. A beautiful person, who touched the hearts of many. This is a traumatic time for the family; however, as you come together during this time of bereavement, may you find comfort in each embrace you receive from family and friends. But most importantly rely on the God of all comfort who promises to give you the strength needed to cope with your loss. And as time goes by, may cherished memories of your husband/father help bring you inner peace and make him seem still very close to all of you.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
CRAIG VITASEK
January 5, 2018
I just learned of Mr. Pickrell's passing today. My condolences to the family. He and his daughter represented 3 generations of our family. Always wanting to know how all our family was doing, he then took care of legal affairs with professionalism and compassion. He was always a man of integrity. He will be missed. Craig Vitasek
Dianne Radford Edmondson
January 5, 2018
My condolences to the family. I will always have fond memories of Mr. Pickrell during the time of my employment at the law firm. He was a true gentleman and cared about the well being of his staff and their families. He will truly be missed.
Ron Hallman
January 5, 2018
I knew Jim through his work as an eminent domaine defense attorney. The locality I represented frequently had to condemn properties needed for public improvements, and he handled many of these cases on behalf of property owners. He was a tough opponent and always displayed the highest ability and integrity. Although we differed many times on opinion of land value, he gained respect from everyone for the fair manner in which he represented his client's interests. He will be greatly missed.
Doris Warman
January 4, 2018
Dear Jim and Amber
We are so sorry and wish to send our sincere condolences to you and your family. Your father was a friend to my father, my mother and me. Whenever help was needed, he was there for us. We will miss him.
Doris and Dan Warman
Doris Warman and Phoebe Hitson
January 3, 2018
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Pickrell. He was a true friend to our family. May you all be comforted by the love and peace of God, family, and friends during this difficult time.
Katie Carney
January 2, 2018
What a wonderful man and family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
James Miller
January 2, 2018
A respected and admired neighbor. He will be missed but his spirit will remain with those who knew him.
Marley Ungaro
January 2, 2018
The Pickrells have been such wonderful neighbors to us since we moved in across the street almost 8 years ago. I know Jimmy didn't like that we cut down all those azaleas to make room for our kids to play and to put up our fence, but he sure did make sure to let us know if we needed anything, to let him know! Janice has also always called to say the nicest things about our children. Just really nice people! We will miss seeing Jimmy come out to the mailbox to trim the heart shaped bush. I wonder if he ever knew that the heart was my favorite shape...and that God put it there (through Jimmy)just for me? We don't get to see our neighbors much with this busy life, but we sure do love and appreciate them! xoxo
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in James Pickrell's name
Memorial Events
for James Pickrell
Funeral services provided by:
B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth1926 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Pickrell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
