Earnest "Jim" Edwin Pickel

Earnest Edwin "Jim" Pickel, age 80, Johnson City, passed peacefully on Monday September 7, 2015, at the Johnson City Medical Center, following a lengthy illness. He was born December 6th, 1934 in Washington County, a son of the late Blaine and Monnie Pickel. Jim graduated from University High School and attended ETSU before joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and a past Mason. After serving his country he began work at Piedmont Airlines ,where he retired after thirty five years. He was blessed with a strong friendship with Jim Starr and Tom DeMitz. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Jean Woods Pickel; one brother, Fred Pickel and two sisters Delores Thornberry and Charlotte Dean. He is survived by three children; Mike Woods and wife Amy, Debby Caughron and Dan Woods; five grandchildren, Carrie Booth and husband Chad, Chip Caughron, Nikki Woods, Loren Woods and Leslie Duffy and husband Aaron. He is also survived by siblings Leroy Pickel and wife Mildred, Johnson City; George Pickel of Knoxville, Janice Fields, Raleigh, NC; seven great grandchildren; Keaton and Brady Sant, Cooper Booth, Jon Grayson Caughron, Lane Caughron, Sam and Ethan Duffy, all of Johnson City. Special nephew Robbie Thornberry of Ashville, special Nieces Deanna Barnett and Brittany Hughes. The family wishes to thank the drivers at Paratransit of Johnson City, the staff of the Blood Cancer Center, Hospice and Staff of 5500 floor of the Johnson City Medical Center, and all staff at Pine Oaks Living facility. The graveside funeral service for Jim Pickel will be conducted Thursday, September 10 at 2:00PM, at Monte Vista Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home from 12:00 to 1:30PM, before proceeding to the Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Aaron Duffy, Chad Booth, Brady Sant, Robbie Thornberry, Erik Pickel and Chip Caughron. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Starr and Tom DeMitz. Order Flowers Service DetailsThursday, September 10th, 2015 2:00pm, Monte Vista Memorial Park Interment DetailsMonte Vista Memorial ParkRead Obituary