Jimmy Franklin Bickford of Anamosa, IA passed away at the age of 79, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, due to complications of Parkinson's disease.

Memorial Services will be held at 10 am Friday, July 21, 2023, at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Anamosa. Rev. Rodney Bluml will officiate. The family will greet friends from 9 am to the time of service. Inurnment, in Clay Cemetery in Onslow, will be held on a later date. Please use the Guestbook to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences.

Jimmy was born at Community Hospital, Anamosa, IA, to Carrol & Irma (Howard) Bickford December 8, 1943. He graduated from Midland High School 1961. He married Rita Griswold in Anamosa, IA on January 19, 1963 having 3 children.  Later he married Lou Jean Dalchow in Lost Nation, IA February 6, 1971. Jimmy worked at Cuckler Steel Span for over 43 years; the company changed names and owners many times, but Jimmy remained. Jimmy lived in Onslow, Wyoming, Stone City, Monticello, and Anamosa.

Jimmy loved gardening, horses, old westerns, carpentry, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Jimmy was a volunteer with the Monticello Fire Department for 15 years. He also participated in water ball fighting many of those years.  Jimmy was a great caretaker to his children and countless nieces and nephews. He could make a fussy baby laugh.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Lou Jean Bickford; his 4 children: Mike Bickford, Las Cruces, NM, Lisa Countryman, Onslow, IA, Melinda Bickford, Marion, IA, Shannon (Jeremy) Wilson, Nampa, ID; his 5 grandchildren: Michael Gsell Jr, Nadia Nolen, Mallorie Countryman, Andrew Bickford, and Anora Wilson; 4 great-grandchildren; his brother Dale Bickford, his sister Janet Brandt, and sister-in-law Darlene Bickford and countless nephews and nieces.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Dwila Baker, brother Arnold Bickford, brothers-in-law Dick Brandt, and sister-in-law Gwen Bickford.

The Bickford family would like to especially thank the Anamosa Care Center Staff and volunteers.