Elder James “JJ” Pickens

February 21, 1940 – April 20, 2021

James Pickens 81, of Beaumont, TX; passed Apr. 20, 2021.

Services will be Saturday, May 01, 2021 at New Pilgrim Baptist Church 1597 Hillebrandt Rd. Beaumont, TX. Visitation will begin at 10AM until Funeral at 11AM. Interment will be May, 03, 2021 at 1:15PM in Houston National Cemetery Houston, TX.

James was born February 21, 1940 in Beaumont, Texas to the late Varry Blanchette & Agnes Ned Pickens. 

James attended and graduated from Hebert High School class of 1958.  Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. 

James was a avid traveler through all of his travels he fell in love with the State of California and resided there for 54 years, living in the cities of Downey and Los Angeles.  James was an entrepreneur he owned several businesses, an appliance repair service, a party rental company, and a motor cycle repair shop. 

On June 9, 1981, James was Ordained to Preach God’s Holy Word at Philipian Baptist Church in Los Angles, California.  James moved back to Beaumont, Texas his birth home in 2014.  He joined New Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church where he served as an Associate Minister and Sunday School Teacher.

James was preceded in death by his parents Varry Blanchette & Agnes Ned Pickens. Brothers: Peter, Joseph Eugene, Varry Blanchette, Jr., Donnell Mack, & Lawrence Bernard Pickens. Sisters: Margaret Brown, Arlinda Bush, and Rosa Lee Pickens. 

 He leaves to cherish his memories sisters Varrietta Adams, Wilmeretta “Tina” (James) Lowe, Willie (Terri) Pickens, Sr., Peter Tryone (Melinda) Pickens, Omega Roy Booker all of Beaumont, Texas.  A host of Nieces, Nephews, family and Special Friends.