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, in 1951. They moved to Ogallala, NE, where they both worked at Goodall Electric making capacitors. In 1953, Jimmie enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country in Korea as a communication specialist. He spent 1 year in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1955 after losing his eye in a boating accident. He returned to Ogallala and again worked for Goodall Electric. In 1958, they moved to Lewellen to manage his mother's, Ruby, cattle ranch. They returned to Ogallala in 1961 and bought their first business, House of Bottles Liquor Store. Jimmie also began selling Life Insurance in the northeastern Colorado area and fell in love with the area. In 1963, Jimmie sold the liquor store and moved his family to Greeley, CO where they would spend the next 53 years. During his time in Greeley, he also obtained his real estate license, working as a realtor and selling life insurance.

After his earlier 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 Beezy. There was a period in time where he decided to raise chinchillas in his basement with the hopes of selling 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 also had a passion for music and dancing. 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., Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Jimmie’s webpage.