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Native American Times
January 2001

James A. Pickering, 78, of Sapulpa, died Monday, January 22, 2001 in his home.

James was born Aug 3, 1922 in Washunga. He was a member of the Otoe-Missouri Tribe, Deer Clan. He lived in Sapulpa almost all his life. He attended Pawnee Indian Boarding School in Pawnee. From there, he attended Chilocco and later the Haskell Institute.

James surrendered his life to the Lord on June 4, 1997.

He worked for the Santa Fe Transportation in Tulsa, where he had worked for more than 33 years. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He was married to Edna Ruth Burgess in Tulsa on August 28, 1943.

He is survived by his three daughters: Sally Hampton and her spouse, Jim of Sapulpa, Janie McCosar and her spouse, Larry of Bristow; and Janette Harjo of Sapulpa; nine sons: James Pickering and his spouse, Coleen, of Sapulpa, Timothy Pickering and his spouse, Fredina of Sapulpa, Charles A. Pickering and his spouse, Cheryl of Sapulpa, Tommy O. Pickering and his spouse, Judy of Eufaula, Jeff E. Pickering and his spouse, Donna of Tulsa, Ricky Pickering and his spouse, Kathy of Sand Springs, Johnathan J. Pickering and his spouse, Sandra, Samuel E. Pickering and his spouse, Greta of Chicago and Zachary M. Pickering and his spouse, Lydia of Sapulpa.

He had 22 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces and step-grandchildren. He had one brother, Danny Hayes, and two sisters-in-law, Maxine Paverine Pickering and Maxine Lois Pickering.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Issac Pickering and Mary Edith Pickering Hayes; two brothers, Issac Melvin "Friday" Pickering and Archie Pickering; two sisters, Sarah West and Luchille Knight; and one infant son, Phillip Eugene Pickering.

James will be taken to Little Cussetah Baptist Church at 10 am Thursday, January 25th 2001, where Reverend Jim Alexander gave the services at 2 pm. Tommy Pickering gave an inspirational and comforting eulogy, a beautiful tribute to the life of his father. Burial took place at South Heights Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Francis Harjo Jr, Gene Daniels, Erick Pickering, James Harjo, Sheridan Pickering and Judd Pickering, Honorary pall bearers will be Jim Hampton, Howard Dale, David Dale, Joseph Teehee, Morris Harjo and Larry McCosar.

Source: Native American Times [Dec 2001]