James Naff Fickle Jr., born on July 15, 1959 in Ashtabula, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026 at his home in Westerville. He left behind a life fueled by love for his family, friends, flavor, laughter, and generosity. A Chef by trade and a foodie at heart to the very end, he turned every meal into a celebration, and his special seasoning was a pinch of humor.

James graduated from Canal Winchester (CW) High School in 1978, went on to receive a Culinary Degree at Columbus State Community College (CSCC) and blossomed into a true culinary artist as a Chef. He was equally an accomplished artist of practical jokes and loved to drive his four sisters crazy…every chance he got. He never met a stranger, to a fault, and was not always punctual as a result of his gift of gab. His kitchen was his stage, where friends became family and laughter was always on his menu. His professional life as a Chef allowed him to enjoy working for Chef Hubert Seifert, Cameron Mitchell, Sanese Services, CSCC and finally retiring from KIPP Columbus in July 2023. His passionate vocation then became his avocation at home and at family functions, festivals, etc., and he loved engaging with all of those he served.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Naff Fickle Sr., Ramona Fickle, his eldest sister, Naressa Allen, cousins and grandparents. He is survived by his loving wife Darla ("Darla K") of 35 years (April 6, 1991), his two sons, James III and Daniel. His sisters Lisa Hardin (Darrell), Bambi Roberts (Dave) and Gretchen Fickle (Pam Spring), and his sister and brother in-laws Dana (Tony) Wells, and Dan Pershing, and many, many cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. His joy in life always included his longtime friends, especially if peppered amongst his family functions. Our family's prayer is that everyone is as fortunate to have that joy in this very short life.

A private family service will be held, and a date for a Celebration of James' Life will be posted in the future for family and friends to share stories, and perhaps a few friendly roasts in his honor. Aside from being a consummate jokester and family man, his heart belonged to charitable programs and many deserving groups. Therefore, for those who have asked, anyone wishing to provide a donation may do so to "A Special Wish, Foundation" (which his mother founded in 1982), and the ALS Association. May we all carry James' (Jimmy to the CW friends) warmth, humor and love for friends and family, and honor him by living fully and laughing often.

Celebration of Life will take place Saturday June 20th from 6 to 9 pm at Kingy's Pizza Pub - Patio

7470 Hill Road in Canal Winchester.