James Norman Ficken
James Norman Ficken
A celebration of life for James Norman Ficken, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 22, 2020 at First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Ficken passed away from an amazing life on November 19, 2020, at his home.
He was born April 1, 1953, in Howell County, Missouri, to Albert Ficken and Marcella Norman Ficken. Jim grew up in West Plains and had already purchased land before graduating the Class of ’71, beginning a lifelong love of farming and raising animals. Jim was a foreman for Ozark Asphalt for over 30 years, paving most of the highways in southern Missouri. He served with the National Guard during that time and raised cattle as well. Along with farming, Jim was an avid fisherman, turkey and deer hunter, taking advantage of every season. With the help of close friend James Rhein, Jim started West Plains Bee Club and was dedicated to helping beginning beekeepers. In the life of honeybees and their hive habits, Jim saw the miracle of God’s creation and loved sharing his knowledge of bees with others. Jim will be remembered as a man who loved swapping stories, could be depended on for anything and never met a stranger.
His children Jessica Collins and husband John, Joanna Myers and husband Keith, were the joy of his life. He treasured time with them, his well-loved eight grandchildren, Taylor Bunch, Rorie, Chase and Isaac Collins and Evy, Shelby, Maverick and Eleanor Myers, along with is dear friend, Nathan Cropper. On September 2, 2006, Jim and Jodie Stephens Ficken married, building a beautiful life together that expanded his family to include Jodie’s two children, Nathan Ruch and Ariel Ruch. Jim embraced Jodie’s Mama Betty, her brothers, sisters and extended family as his own. Jim has five remaining beloved siblings, Dennis Ficken and wife Sandy, Colleen Justus, Max Ficken and wife Bertha, Kenny Ficken and wife Linsa, Caroline Hanserd and sister-in-law Daisy Ficken.
Loved ones going before Jim are his parents, brother Derald, and brother-in-law John Justus.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or Evergreen Cemetery in honor of Jim’s service on the cemetery board and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
David and Carrie Thompson
November 20, 2020 @ 11:40 am
Jodie and family, we were so sad to read about Jim’s passing. We just really got acquainted with him recently when we bought some of his honey. Enjoyed visiting with him and getting reacquainted with you. So sorry for your loss. Praying for your peace and comfort as well as all the family.
Mary Evans
November 20, 2020 @ 4:04 pm
I was sadden to learn that jim
had passed. We went to school together also neighbors for a time. Sending prayers to the family.
Paula England
November 20, 2020 @ 12:08 pm
Jodie I am sending you much love . I am thinking of you with my heart and mind. I am so very sorry.
Randy Hawkins
November 20, 2020 @ 12:56 pm
Sorry for your loss PrYers for all the family
Donna Newberry
November 20, 2020 @ 12:59 pm
Max, Bertie and Ficken family. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Noble and Donna Newberry
Teresa Goodpasture
November 20, 2020 @ 6:59 pm
So Sorry for your loss Jodie, Jessica,Joanna and your families. Our thoughts are with you all. He was a special guy and will be greatly missed.
Terrie pearsall
November 20, 2020 @ 1:05 pm
Jodie I was shocked to hear this News of Jim he was such s nice man So sorry for your loss
Bob & Bill Cobb, Caulfield, West Plains, Mo.
November 20, 2020 @ 2:12 pm
Knew Jimmy back in school and had fun with him alot of years, we will miss you Jimmy.
Ruth Heselton Crouch
November 20, 2020 @ 3:51 pm
Dear Jodie,
Wow life sure is a roller coaster of highs and lows. My heart goes out to you. So glad you found this love and were able to share your life with him as long as God gave you. There are no answers in this life but one day we will understand. Prayers for you on the grief journey. I am so sorry. You are such a caring and upbeat person.
Patt Harper
November 20, 2020 @ 4:20 pm
To all the Ficken family, sorry for the loss of Jim. Prayers for comfort and peace at this time.
danny simoneau
November 20, 2020 @ 4:25 pm
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Rita Culton
November 20, 2020 @ 5:26 pm
Jodie I am so sorry! We had a nice visit with Jim at Colleens auction! Hugs and prayers during this hard time!
BONNIE R MURPHY
November 20, 2020 @ 8:03 pm
I will keep you in my prayer.
Barbara Alsup
November 20, 2020 @ 8:39 pm
Jodi and family, I was so sorry to hear of Jim,s passing.
Jodi, I am so sorry we have lost Jim. He was such a nice guy, and I always enjoyed visiting with him at church. I pray God will grant you peace and comfort.
Vicki Cooper
November 20, 2020 @ 9:15 pm
Jodie and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jimmy has been a friend for over 50 years. He was a kind and good person. Never met a stranger and could make you laugh with his stories. I pray God will cover you with a blanket of comfort and peace and give you beautiful memories to sustain you.
Kari Moore
November 20, 2020 @ 9:50 pm
Jodie and family Wes and I are so very sorry!
We met Jim thru the bee club and he was a great guy. I know he will be missed terribly.
He helped us on several occasions with his knowledge of bees. He always had a story to tell.
Thinking you all!
Carol (Beach) Freeman
November 20, 2020 @ 10:01 pm
Ms Jodi. So very sad to hear about Jimmy. Quite a shock. He was such fun to be around. Loved seeing you both each Class reunion party. He will be greatly missed. May your days be filled with wonderful memories & know my prayers go out to you & your family.
Jim and Patty Goss
November 21, 2020 @ 6:04 am
Jodie, praying for God’s comfort. So sorry for your loss.
Jim and Patty Goss
Bob and Cindy Kirkland
November 21, 2020 @ 6:27 am
Jodie, Joanna , Keith and family. We are so sorry on the loss of your sweet husband, father and grandfather!! Jodie, I wish I could give you a big hug like you always gave me for our Sam. But know I am keeping you all close to my heart and in my prayers. May our Heavenly Father wrap His loving arms around you all. We love you all.
Bob Stone
November 21, 2020 @ 7:42 am
So sorry for your loss Jody. Praying for you and your family. Bob and Luanne Stone
Loran & Barbara Cockrum
November 21, 2020 @ 8:10 am
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We went to school with Jim. He will be missed by all that knew him. Prayers going up for the family.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
November 21, 2020 @ 9:38 am
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing – praying for you, his loved ones – God bless and comfort you all.
Frances Wahlquist
November 21, 2020 @ 10:04 am
Jodie, I am sending condolence to you and your family. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that others hold you dear to their hearts.
Deann Phipps
November 21, 2020 @ 12:43 pm
He was an incredible person, Always had a smile and a story,Prayers for each one of you
David Christopher
November 21, 2020 @ 2:09 pm
Jodie, prayers for you and your family. Joyce and I are sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed by many.
Robin and Bart Wray
November 21, 2020 @ 2:44 pm
Jodie and family, Jim was a great friend and neighbor to Dad and the rest of the family. Dad sure loved him stopping to see him. We are praying for strength and comfort.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
November 21, 2020 @ 4:38 pm
Jodie and Families,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Jim. He was a wonderful friendly person who was a Joy to be around! He will be missed. During this difficult time know we are praying for all of you. Also, may God give all of you strength, comfort, encouragement, and peace. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris/Ivene(Brickey)Cozort
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
Shea Reeves
November 21, 2020 @ 5:48 pm
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss!
Connie Buresh
November 22, 2020 @ 12:58 pm
Jodie,
We’re sending our love & sympathy today as you celebrate Jim’s life and mourn his passing. Hugs to you,
Tom & Connie
Rexanna Smith
November 22, 2020 @ 4:58 pm
Jodie so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for you and your family. May God embrace you and your family during this difficult time.
Juanita Walker
November 22, 2020 @ 9:32 pm
Jodi, Colleen and family. I am so saddened to learn of the loss of your husband and brother. Prayers for all of you for peace and comfort.
Kathy Beaty
November 23, 2020 @ 1:05 pm
Jodie and family.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing on to Glory.
Cherish his memories you shared together.
Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Always enjoying seeing you both at FUMC will miss him deeply.
May God hold you in His loving arms and give you peace.
Kathy (Bray) Beaty
Bill and Pat Patillo
November 23, 2020 @ 7:39 pm
Jodie and family
So sorry and so very shocked to hear about Jim. I still remember the girls riding my bus some and pulling over to let you get by on your way to work. Also the tour bus trip we took together. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Connie J. Eagleman
November 24, 2020 @ 3:41 pm
Jodi! So sorry! Hugs to you!