James Henry Pickering, Jr.

Carmel, IN--James “Jim” Pickering, Jr., 66 of Carmel, IN passed peacefully on the morning of October 13, 2020 in his home surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born on March 9, 1954 in Indianapolis to the late Jack and Betty (Brown) Pickering. Jim married his best friend and love of his life, Susan (Lehr) Pickering, and they had recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. Jim was a 1972 graduate of North Central High School and continued his education at Purdue University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He went on to attend Indiana University’s School of Law in Indianapolis where he graduated in 1979 with a Juris Doctorate. 

After graduation, he joined the law firm where he would eventually retire after 37 years of service--Richards, Boje, Pickering, Benner & Becker in Noblesville, IN. He helped countless clients and is known to have consistently left a lasting impression that reached beyond a standard attorney-client relationship. 

He was a co-owner of the Park Street Pub in Westfield, IN  for over 20 years where he developed many friendships and was unofficially known as “The Mayor of Park Street.” Jim had the innate ability to “hold court” and command a crowd with his larger than life personality. He knew how to entertain with his storytelling and quick wit. He was a compassionate listener and an empathetic friend to all who crossed his path. 

Although he obtained degrees from both Purdue and IU, he maintained his true allegiance to Purdue as he loved watching and cheering on the Boilermakers, especially at the Park Street Pub. 

Jim had a lifelong love for sports and grew up playing baseball and basketball. However, his true passion was golf. Through his mother’s extended family, Jim was able to attend the Masters Golf Tournament dozens of times. He was a favorite playing partner to many and was fiercely competitive. He enjoyed competing in tournaments - his favorite victories included the Calcutta at Fox Prairie and the Ol’ Buddy at Harbour Trees Golf Club, won with his son Griffin.  He and his family have been members at Harbour Trees since 1995. He passed on his affinity for golf to Griffin and enjoyed watching him play - so much so he was even happy when Griffin beat him for the first time. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan (Lehr) Pickering and his sister, Diane (David) Giltner, his children, Lauren (Jason) Kashman and Griffin “Griff” Pickering as well as his three granddaughters Claire, Caroline and Georgia Kashman; uncle, Bill "Ardelle" Pickering; cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. 

Jim’s family is eternally grateful for the many life lessons he taught them, especially the blueprint for how to live in the face of adversity. He battled courageously against Parkinson’s Disease and Pancreatic Cancer for many years, keeping his vibrant personality and positive spirit along the way. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the following organizations: Indiana Parkinson’s Foundation (www.indianaparkinson.org) or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).

A drive by visitation will be on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 10:00am until the time of service at 12:00 Noon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Road, Carmel, IN 46032. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. 

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

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