James Rodney Stickels

To the family of Jim, my heart goes out to you. As a class mate, I always knew that he was one of the Good Guys Exceptionally so. Sandy Johnson Hurley

Jim was an amazing man--just the perfect blend of accomplishment, insight, and compassion. He was unwavering as an advocate for those less fortunate and considered everyone his equal. I've only known him for 2 years, but in that time have come to greatly admire him and recognize what an impact he has made on the lives of those around him. He was always willing to help and open to new ideas. I couldn't have asked for a better co-worker and will miss him every day. - Steve Sparks

I had the privilege of working with Jim closely with a development conference. While I had always recognized he was talented and dedicated, it was during our work together for the conference that I really took in the depth of his caring, energy and compassion for those around him. He sincerely embraced an abundant mindset and his goal was for everyone to have a chance to experience success and joy in their lives. It was just a joy to be a part of anything he was a part of and I will deeply miss him. My love to his family, and my thanks for sharing such an incredible human being with us all.

Jim was such a lovely, kind, and warm-hearted person. He was very dedicated to his students and a real pleasure to work with. My sympathy goes out to his family for this sudden and tragic loss.

Jim and I were really close in HS. I had really lost touch with him recently & it was great to see him this summer at the reunion. We had one”incident" in wrestling practice when I believe it was him that bit me in the head requiring stitches - it was an accident, Jim would never deliberately hurt anybody! I also remember when he was working at the Y and saved a kid from drowning. It got written up in the paper & he refused to be called a “hero” - which he was. Definitely a very humble and noble person. What a shock and tragedy. John Raasoch