James Baxter Pickens

James B. “Slim” Pickens

James Baxter Pickens passed away on August 23, 2025, in Texarkana, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Shawnee Oklahoma, to Roy Lee Pickens, Sr. and Marie Beavert Pickens. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Roy and Joe, and his sisters Arlene and Elizabeth.

Affectionately known as "Slim", he grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas and graduated from Hot Springs High School early in 1957. He joined the US Navy in February 1958. Jim was stationed in El Paso, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; Enid, Oklahoma; New Braunfels and Waco, Texas. He retired after 20 years of service in the US Navy, in 1978, and then went to work for the Veteran's Administration and retired in 2014, after 37 years. His entire career was spent in government service, an amazing 57 years in total.

Jim was an avid fan of the Texas Rangers, the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys, and also loved watching Baylor Bears and Texas Longhorns girls' softball. He had a great group of friends that he enjoyed spending time with.

He is survived by his family, who love him very much; daughter Cheryl Vickers, grandsons Kevin Kilgore and Matthew Kilgore, all of Texarkana, Texas, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held 1:00 PM, at Waco Memorial Park on Friday, August 29, 2025.