Jimmie Carl Pickard, 92, of Lake Ida, MN, formerly of Greeley, CO, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living and Memory Care, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Jimmie was born on March 16, 1933, to Howard and Ruby (Naviaux) Pickard in Lewellen, NE. He grew up in Lewellen and graduated from Big Springs High School, Big Springs, NE. It was there, he met the love of his life, Deane Hansen and they were united in marriage shortly after high school in Julesberg, CO. They moved to Ogallala, NE, where they both worked at Goodall Electric making capacitors. They moved back to Lewellen and lived on his mother’s, Ruby, cattle ranch where he ran the ranch. They once again moved back to Ogallala, NE, where Jimmie enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country in Korea as a communication specialist. After a year, he was honorably discharged after losing his eye from a boating accident.

Jimmie returned from his time in the service, moving with his family to Greeley, CO, where they would spend the next 50 years. He began his time there selling Life Insurance before obtaining his real estate license working as a realtor. After his time in real estate, he began working for Beegle’s Aviation where he rebuilt wrecked airplanes. He even purchased an airplane and earned his pilot’s license. While working for Beegle’s, he helped design and build an experimental aircraft called Breezy. There was a period where he decided to raise chinchillas in his basement with the hopes of selling them for their pelts and may have accidentally kept a few as pets for his family.

Jimmie began working in Boulder, CO, where he designed and installed sprinkler systems which evolved into him owning his own business, Northweld Pipe where he sold fittings. He also obtained his broker’s license in the 80’s and owned his second company, Triangle Realty. After his stint in realty, he earned his FCC license and worked for Continental Airlines, eventually retiring at the age of 63.

In his retirement, Jimmie enjoyed repairing ATV and small engines out of his shop at home and purchasing four wheelers so he could repair and resell them. Jimmie enjoyed fishing, hunting, and really anything pertaining to the outdoors. He loved flying airplanes and driving and purchasing cars of all makes and models. He was a man who couldn’t ever sit still and loved to try new things. Most of all, he loved his family and will be sorely missed.

Jimmie is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Deane; daughters, Shauna (Steve) Slabik and Suzette (Mark) Hettinger; grandchildren, Mandi Keil, Eric (Callie) Gerst, Ty Hettinger, Taner (Amelia McMullen) Hettinger, Jennifer (Chris Iskra) Slabik, and Kelly (Billie Moulder) Lontz; one great-grandchild, Arlo Thomas Gerst; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruby; and his sisters, Peggy Hood and Carol Moser.

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., followed by the memorial service at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 20, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Jimmie’s webpage.