Rolland James Rickel

July 19, 1946November 25, 2021

Jim was born in Tucson, Arizona, and moved to Ukiah in 1951 with his family. He attended Yokayo, Nokomis, Frank Zeke, and Pomo Lita schools, and graduated from Ukiah High School.

Jimmy had an active military career. He joined the Army in 1963 and participated with the 82nd Airborne Headquarters Company. He reenlisted to go overseas to Baumholder, Germany and served as a squad leader in the 39th Infantry out of Worms, returning to the US in 1967. Jim was employed in various pursuits and then attended Santa Rosa and Mendocino colleges for AA degrees and a certificate in Human Services. He was a part of New Careers in Mental Health, the Mendocino Alcohol Project, and Completed

his BA at Sonoma State.

For many years he posted shows on public access television in Ukiah. He called his programming “News Team 3” and entertained many with his interviews of public figures, and coverage of parades and events around town and surrounding areas. He also stirred up a few controversies with his political and social commentaries. Over the years he also participated in the Trucker’s Light Parade, and was active in the American Legion, Elks, and Loyal Order of Moose, and other civic interests.

Jim was a registered consultant for the Department of Motor Vehicles, doing outreach registration services under the name Human Services. It is in this position that he helped many Lake County car enthusiasts with the vehicle titling challenges.

Jim and Linda met in 2012 and married in 2018 at the Church of the Nazarene in Clearlake, California, and were very happy. Jim enjoyed time with friends and family, and joined and participated in the Clearlake Car Club, No Name Car Club and the Lake Lords Car Club, and attended many rides and shows with his 1985 Firebird.

In 2019 Jim was diagnosed with lung cancer, and went to his eternal rest on November 25, 2021, Thanksgiving morning.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Linda; his daughters, Christa and Jackie Rae; grandsons, Dylan and Gabe; his sister, Vicky; brother, Terry; niece, Heather; cousins, Don and Lee Richie; and many friends both in Mendocino County and Lake County. He was a much-loved great-grandfather to Halona, Arianna, Shomoe Ine (JR) Arabella, and Josephine.

.He was predeceased by his mother Phyllis and father Robert Lee, daughter Pamela who died shortly after birth, and his other sister and brothers.

He will be missed by his family and his many friends. A memorial in his honor will be held Monday, December 20 at 11a.m. at Clearlake Church of the Nazarene. 15917 Olympic Drive, Clearlake, 95422 Call Linda Rickel at 707-295-6099