James Lewis Pickering, was born on December 4, 1925 in Sacramento, California, Son of Newman & MayJannett Pickering.

He was a lifelong resident of Stockton, CA.

From 1943 to 1946, James fought in World War II, serving with distinction in the Pacific Theater and, after the war ended, participating in the occupation of Japan. He also served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951 as a member of the U.S. Air Force.

James graduated from the College of the Pacific in 1953, where he earned two Varsity athletic letters, was sports editor of the school paper, and picture editor of the college yearbook. He was a member of Rhizomia fraternity.

James and Patricia Allatt first met though a double blind date that was set up by Patricia’s sorority sister, Carolyn and her husband Jerrald Pickering, James’ younger brother. Carolyn and Jerrald set them up, mainly because both Patricia and James were redheads. They were married in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1956. Following their marriage, the newlyweds resided in Stockton, California. James was a parole agent for the California Youth Authority from 1958 until his retirement in 1985. Patricia worked for a brief time at the California Housing Authority before the birth of her first child.

To their union they had 4 children, 6 grandchildren.

An active and continual learner, he enjoyed history, travel, politics, and spending time with family. He was a member (and former Big SIR) of SIRS (Sons in Retirement) and Grandfathers Club of America.