James Roland Bickford

James R. Bickford, 88, of Sandwich, IL passed away at Willow Crest Nursing Pavilion in Sandwich, IL on February 8, 2019. He was born to Ralph (Shortie) and Grace (Bailey) Bickford in Evansville, IN on February 13, 1930.

He married Joyce Borden on November 18, 1950 in Boonville, IN. He served his country in the US Army, he was a member of Plano Church of Christ, and he worked with tool and die maker and retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co in Montgomery, IL after 30 years of working from 1958-1989.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, of Sandwich, IL; his son, Bryan (Sherry) Bickford; 2 grandchildren, Justin (Sara) Bickford of Oglesby, IL and Anna (Richard) Meyer of Rockfalls, IL; 5 great grandchildren, Shelby, Joshua, Alexa, Gabriel and Raven; And a sister-in-law, June Bickford.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, James Jr (1982); 1 sister, Lucille Bays; 4 brothers, Mervin, William, Richard and Everett; and 1 grandson, Joshua (1997).

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St., Sandwich, IL from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. with funeral services at 5:00 p.m. with his son, Minister Bryan Bickford, officiating. Private burial will take place Thursday, February 14, 2019 at Pratt Oak Lawn Cemetery, Sandwich, IL.