James Bricker

James Patrick Bricker, 60, of Petoskey, died June 1, 2021 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

James was born on March 10, 1961 in Charlevoix, Michigan, the son of Charles “Chuck” and Alice (Thorp) Bricker. He grew up in Petoskey and graduated from Petoskey High School in 1979.

James worked at different banks in the area as a high schooler, something that started as a co-op job during his youth, turned into a lifelong career. He worked in the proof department, ordered supplies, really anything that needed to be done, Jim was your guy. He worked under the same roof for more than 24 years, although the bank itself went through many different titles, starting as 1st National and most recently Bank of Northern Michigan, but one thing was a constant and that was Jim. After a year of semi-retirement from the bank, James started a new career path at the Corner Grocer in Petoskey, where he has been employed for the last three years.

In his spare time, James enjoyed coin collecting, an above average M&M collector, and baking chocolate candies and pies.

He had a long-standing traditional camping trip with his buddies every winter, where his group of guys, comprised of his brothers, friends, and brother-in-law, would set up camp somewhere out in the woods for the weekend.  This camping tradition just celebrated its 40th anniversary in February.

Although he never had children of his own, he treated his nieces and nephews like they were his own. They were the apple of his eye. Jim will be remembered for his smile and his willingness to help others.

Jim is survived by his parents, Charles and Alice Bricker of Petoskey; his brother David (Jane) Bricker of Petoskey; sister Karen (Kevin) Cheadle of Walloon Lake; nieces and nephews, Melissa Bricker, Paul (Kelsey) Bricker, Matthew Bricker, Michael (Ellie) Bricker, Ashley (Matthew) Howland, Andrew (Courtney) Cheadle, Amy Cheadle, Aaron (Crystal) Cheadle; great nieces and nephews, Cameron and Brady Bricker, Hadley Bricker, Harley Howland, Lilah Graham, Harper Cheadle, Riley Shaw, and Kyleigh, Peyton, and Charles Cheadle.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Paul Bricker and nephew, Ryan Bricker.

There will be a visitation at Stone Funeral Home on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Monday, June 7, 2021 at Trinity Missionary Church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Steve Beigle will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

The Bricker family suggests memorial donations be directed to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).

Stone Funeral Home is caring for his arrangements.

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