James Rickard

James H. Rickard, age 95, of Colby, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at The Waterford under the tender care of Heartland Hospice.

A celebratory gathering will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford.

James was born on March 2, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of RK Leslie and Clara (Netz) Rickard. His father traveled a lot for work and James graduated from Marshfield High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army from graduation until the end of WWII in 1945.

Jim attended UW-Milwaukee, receiving a bachelors degree in music. He went on to receive his masters at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago and furthered his education by attending several classes throughout the Midwest.

Jim was united in marriage to Frances Agnes Morrison on August 16, 1952. He taught music in Iron River, Augusta, Elcho and retired from Colby after 26 years. Jim was a member of the Colby Lions Club and enjoyed fishing.

James is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Frances Agnes (Morrison) Rickard of Colby; three children: Deborah Rickard of Jordan, Minn., Jim (Ellen) Rickard of Neillsville and Melanie (Scott) Rusch of Colby; a grandson, Lewis Rusch; two step-grandchildren: Anissa Rusch of Cambridge and Scott Rusch of Encino, Calif.; and five greatgrandchildren.

He is further survived by one sister-in-law, Helen Rickard of Minneapolis; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Muriel Davich and a brother, Warren Rickard.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid obituary 123090