Obituary of James Maurice Rickly

James Maurice Rickly, 82, passed away peacefully at home in the loving company of his sons, his devoted personal nurse and the wonderful Hospice team on November 6, 2015 at 3:32 a.m. in Melbourne, Florida. He was born in 1932 in Bowling Green, Ohio. At a young age the Rickly family moved to Mason, Michigan. Jim led an extraordinary life filled with accomplishments of his choosing. Having volunteered for the military nine years after WWII ended he was deployed overseas to the Vietnam conflict. He was a gentleman, devoted to God & Country. A career Naval Officer of twenty years he achieved the rank of Commander including two tours of duty in Hawaii. Having served on 5 Ships, he retired back to his home state of Michigan in 1974. Jim re-entered college at Michigan State University and within two years became a Golf Course Superintendent in West Palm Beach and worked as a Master Starter in numerous PGA tournaments there. He also had a successful career as a Realtor. A loving father & husband, Jim was a skilled boatman, sailor, airplane pilot, world class traveler & avid golfer. He is survived by sons Mike, Steve & David Rickly; two grandchildren Ashley Rozar & Joshua Rickly. He had five great grandchildren, Teegan James & Warren Abram Rickly, Roarke ‘Rock’ Rozar, Ashton & Destiny Rozar. Dad had recently become widowed from Jean Blanks Rickly, his loving wife and partner. Memorial Services with Military Honors will be held graveside at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida 11 a.m. on November 12th, 2015.