Marion "Jim" James Bickford

Marion James Bickford, better known as Jim, was born on March 19, 1935, on the Bickford homestead north of Springfield, Colorado, to Marion Lynn and Burniese Augusta (Coverdail) Bickford.  His mother told of how during the dust storms she had to cover him with a damp blanket to keep him from being covered with dust and how at the end of the day baby Jim was dirty as if he had put in a days work.  As a very shy youngster, “Jimmy” as he was called, grew up helping work the farm and doing other various jobs.  For 8 years he attended North Liberty School in the Big Rock community and after moving into town attended Springfield High School where he graduated in 1952.                 In 1955 he met the love of his life, Thelma Verhoeff, a cute brown eyed girl from Flagler, Colorado who was living next door with her sister’s family.  After courting for several months they were united in marriage on June 2, 1956, in Clayton, New Mexico.  They then made their home in Springfield and to the union were born three children; Teresa Lynn, Justin Wyatt, and Donald Eugene.  Jim went to work driving a bulldozer for Marion Chenoweth, then worked several years for Farm Service.  For 31 years he was a loyal and dependable employee of the Town of Springfield as foreman and later head of the street department and after retirement there he worked for the US Forest Service. Jim was a generous and giving man, paying it forward whenever he had the opportunity. Throughout his adult life, he donated blood, was a member of the Jaycees and for 20 years served the community as a volunteer fireman. He loved to go camping, fishing, and hunting with the family, as well as gardening, arrowhead hunting, and square dancing.  Jim was a quiet and humble man, living a simple life never needing to keep up with the Jones’ and always willing to lend a helping hand.  He believed that education began at home with the parents teaching their children right from wrong and that all that was needed was the 3 R’s of reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmatic, along with respect and responsibility.  Jim was a wise man and firmly believed that if it wasn’t broken, don’t fix it; if you borrow it, return it; a penny saved is a penny earned; you can’t help someone who won’t help themselves; and if it’s worth doing, do it right the first time.  He could be gruff and blunt which earned him the name “old grouch” but he was a kind and gentle man and loved his wife, family, and friends dearly.  He had a great sense of humor and at times could be a total ‘smart ass’, catching people off guard with his jokes.   Jim loved his ‘naked ladies’ and he loved to show them off to anyone who cared to have a look.  During one of the recent rains, he told his daughter, “my naked ladies are dancing in the rain”. (For those who don’t know, “Naked Ladies” are a lily type flower) Jim wasn’t a church goer but was a believer in God, and felt the Ten Commandments were mighty good rules to live by. On Sunday mornings he enjoyed listening to the church services that were broadcast on the radio.   Jim didn’t begrudge a person of their religion but didn’t appreciate those who tried to push their religion off on him.  It was Jim’s desire after retirement to spend time with his love, Thelma, traveling the country and doing some sightseeing but her failing health didn’t allow that to be.  She passed away on a cold and blizzardy day in February 2007.  He was lost and lonely without her and eventually took up card playing several times a week to occupy his time. Jim was an avid fan of western movies and TV shows. He spent countless hours riding along with Captain Call and Gus McCrae of Lonesome Dove fame, as well as Rowdy Yates and Gil Favor of the Rawhide series.  He also liked to watch his Country Family Reunion DVDs.  One of Jim’s greatest pleasures was to take his family and friends to Mt. Capulin, Bent’s Fort and down to the Picture and Carrizo canyons.  These were a few of his favorite places which he never tired of visiting and he took tons of pictures.  Jim found a passion for taking bus tours and train rides, and he was anxiously looking forward to once again riding the trains of Colorado in an upcoming bus tour later in mid-September. On Friday, August, 11 after a long day in the emergency room, Jim was flown to Denver because of issues with his heart.  He was taken to the Medical Center of Aurora.   “Did you know there are pot holes in the sky?” was his greeting to his daughter and son-in-law as they walked into his hospital room.  After several days of tests, it was determined that he needed triple bypass surgery which was a great shock to him and the family.  Jim would have none of that and passed away on the evening of August 16, 2017, on his own terms according to God’s will and plan. In his final hours, he talked to his kids about all the things he would still like to accomplish. Be assured that he is now with his Creator. Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, parents, and siblings.  He is survived by his children:  Teresa (Buck) Harris, Lamar, Co, Justin Bickford, Pampa, TX, and Don (Paula) Bickford, McPherson, KS.  Grandchildren :  Levi (Jessica) Bickford of Goodwell, OK;  Kayci (Joe) Mari and Jaymie (Jonathan) Rothrock both of  McPherson, KS;  Kodie (Brandon)Mackey of Falcon, CO;  Holli (Russell) Bade of Boise City, OK;  Kayla (Garrett) Mauch of Lamar, CO,  Ethan Harris with the US Marine Corps,  Camp Pendleton, CA and  12 great grandchildren.  Also surviving are sister Juanita Bamber of Lamar, CO and brother Dale Bickford of Springfield, CO as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.     The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the Springfield Fire Department or the Springfield EMS Association in care of Maltbie Funeral Services. Make payable to the place of choice, MEMO: Jim Bickford Memorial, and mail to 265 West 8th Ave. Springfield, CO 81073.