Everyday was special with our Daddy.   He loved us and made sure that our needs were met no matter what the cost.  He loved life to the fullest and enjoyed every day.  He was always able to find a little bit of good in everyone he met.  He made sure we knew about loving each other and loving others.  He always encouraged us to do our best no matter what.  He taught us to work hard and above all to respect others.    He was and is the love of our lives and we are eternally thankful for the exceeding, abundant love and joy he gave to us all.

His wife, Vi,  and daughters, Judy, Linda and Brenda,  were the joy of his life and he was a devoted husband and father. He loved spending time with his family and friends and nothing made him happier than lending a helping hand to his friends and neighbors. He never turned down a good fishing trip likely to be followed by a big fish fry. He loved watching football and baseball. He was a man of utmost honesty and integrity and offered love and friendship to everyone he met.  He never met a stranger and you would most likely be greeted with “Don’t I know you or haven’t I met you before?”  He loved children and his youthful and playful spirit earned him the love and respect of many throughout the years.

He served in the U. S. Army with Basic Training at Camp Blanding, Florida.  He joined  the 25th Infantry, 89th Field Artillery Batallion at Clark's Field, Manila, Phillipines and left White Beach on  the USS Aranac for Japan where he served as Tech Sgt. and in the Military Police and once served on special assignment to escort the Crown Prince Akihito current Emperor of Japan.

JAMES ODELL PICKLES  (JAMES AVERY, WILLIAM R., MICHAEL, JACOB) was born December 04, 1924 in Madison, Madison County, Florida, to James Avery "Bud" Pickles and Pearl Beatrice Bass Pickles,  and died December 02, 2007 in Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia.  He had eight brothers and sisters:  Florida Idell Sumner, Gladys Irene Kosieniak,  Merton Eli "Bull" Pickles,  Amy Nishi Kelly Maynard, Mable Elizabeth Ragans,  Barnie Pickles, Lonnie Pickles and Claude William Pickles.  He married VIOLA SHEFFIELD April 23, 1949 in Quitman, Brooks County, Georgia (Source: Marriage Certificate for James Odell Pickles and Viola Sheffield, Book WH, Page 79.), daughter of JERRY SHEFFIELD and NICY WILSON.  She was born September 07, 1927 in Taylor County, Florida.    They  had three daughters:  Judy Irene Pickles Allsbrook, Linda Pickles Lester, and Brenda Pickles.