James Earl Rickling

June 5, 1933 - May 11, 2021

Beloved husband, father and grandfather. Jim was born in Hamilton, Ohio and died peacefully at his  home in San Diego, California, at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edna Mae  (Kollstedt) and four children - Michael, Colleen, Karen (Kevin Jorgensen), Vincent and two grandchildren  Camille and Claire Jorgensen – all of San Diego.

Raised in Hamilton, Ohio, Jim was the son of the late Earl and Louise Rickling. He had two brothers – Marvin (Rosemary) and his twin Jack (Judy), both of whom preceded Jim in death. He attended St. Peter  in Chains Elementary School and Hamilton Catholic High School. While in high school, Jim played the  trombone in the marching band. Jim was an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, where he  graduated in 1955 with a degree in business and Navy ROTC. He was commissioned in the Navy upon graduation, attaining the rank of Lieutenant J G.

Jim married Edna Mae Kollstedt, his high school sweetheart, in Hamilton, Ohio in January of 1956. They  were stationed in San Diego, where they raised their family. After discharge from the Navy, Jim worked  as a mortgage banker, managed an Oscar's restaurant and finally worked as an accountant for Teledyne  Ryan Aeronautical until his retirement.

Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling with his wife, playing golf and  basketball. He played basketball competitively into his 80's and competed in the Senior Olympics. He loved the San Diego weather and getting outdoors for summer beach picnics with Dale, Sue and the  Pursel family, playing volleyball and cooking over the fire for 35 years.

Jim was active in his church, St. Gregory the Great, serving as an usher as well as other support activities.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered with the Healing Our Hurts organization  in his parish, driving those in need to doctors and various other appointments.

A funeral mass for Jim will be held on May, 28, at 12:00 pm at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church – 11451 Blue Cypress Drive, San Diego, CA 92131. Burial will be at Miramar National Cemetery at a later  date. A celebration of life gathering will also be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rolf Ehlers for his care over the years.