James B. Rickard, Sr., 75, a lifetime resident of the Tuscarora Indian Reservation, went home to be with the lord on January 29, 2015. Born on January 6, 1939, he was the loving son of the late Melvin and Arlene (Mt. Pleasant) Rickard.

James attended local schools and graduated from Trott Vocational High School in 1956. In 1959, he married Geraldine (Antone) Rickard who later predeceased him in 2011. James was employed through the Roofers Local #74 Union as a roofer for over 50 years. During his career he worked on many large malls and buildings throughout the Western New York area, including Buffalo City Hall. James was a passionate sports fan, especially of the Boston Red Sox, and a natural athlete. He grew up playing baseball, hockey, and was noted as one of the top fast-pitch softball pitchers in the area. Mr. Rickard took great pride in his three children's love and success for the game of hockey, in which they eventually became star players throughout the United States and Canada. He was extremely proud to have taught them how to skate at the same time they were just learning to walk.

James was a member of the Tuscarora Baptist Church and a soloist for other area churches. He was also a member of the Bass Masters, and fished in many tournaments. In his leisure time, he loved spending time at his cottage, which he and his wife built on Curve Lake in Ontario. They enjoyed having many friends and family members there to visit and fish. He also enjoyed hunting in the Southern Tier, collecting antiques and was a true local history buff.

Mr. Rickard is survived by his two sons, Timothy (Catherine) Rickard and David Rickard. He was predeceased by one son, James B. "Jimmy" Rickard, Jr. He also is survived by three grandchildren, James P. Rickard, Peter Rickard, Jasmine Rickard; one brother, Melvin (Mary Jane) Rickard; one sister, Vivian Meloon, as well as three nieces, Wendy Burning, Kris Rickard and Melody Meloon and one nephew, Jeremy Meloon.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31st from 2 – 4 at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Family and friends are invited to celebrate a funeral service on Sunday at 2:00 P.M. in the Tuscarora Baptist Church, 2088 Mt. Hope Road, Lewiston, NY Sanborn, NY with Rev. Walter Printup officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment to follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.