James Robert “Jim” Bickford, a long-time resident of Chalmette, passed away on October 23, 2018 at the age of 73. He is survived by loving sisters, Rosemary Bickford (Robert Muse) and Kathleen Bickford Hodgins (James), nieces, Rainey Muse and Olivia Hodgins, and nephew, Ryan Hodgins, as well as many cousins and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James J. Bickford and Gloria Buras Bickford. Jim was a man of many names. Affectionately known as “Biggie” by his friends, “Coach B” by his student athletes, and “Big Chief” by the Owl Fun Camp kids, and “Jay” by family members. He was born in New Orleans on April 5, 1945 and became a lifelong resident of Chalmette at the age of 9. He graduated from Chalmette High School in 1963 and attended Southeastern Louisiana University. Jim later transferred to Northeast Louisiana State College where he received a B.A. in Journalism. He returned to St. Bernard Parish before receiving a Master’s degree in 1978 in Education Media from Loyola University in New Orleans. In 1974, he became a teacher at CHS in English, Geography, History, and various other subjects. Jim’s love of sports was unmatched. He began keeping statistics in high school and continued for over 50 years. He was the Chalmette sports reporter and worked with local sports writers, calling in game statistics and assisting with historical information on CHS sports. He coached five Track and Field State Champions, including one who participated in the Olympic Trials, and many other regional and district champions. For many years he announced football and basketball games at Chalmette. He also served as an announcer for the Junior Olympics, SEC Conference, Sunbelt Conference, LSU Track & Field Meets, and various other sporting events. The Jim Bickford Invitational Track Meet at CHS was named in his honor. He was inducted into the LSU Track and Field Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2008 and the St. Bernard Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Jim was an avid photographer and traveler. His travels took him to many places, including Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Romania, and Costa Rica. Although he never married or had children of his own, family was very important to him. He became a huge influence to his nephew and was the biggest supporter of his nieces’ interests. Special thanks to Robert Muse and James Hodgins for their companionship and helpfulness in recent years. Also, thanks to Dr. Ramee and Ochsner Hospital Jefferson, Ochsner Baptist, Bridgepoint Acute Care, Dr. Samant and the ICU Department at East Jefferson General Hospital, and Dr. Hyde of Louisiana Cardiology in Baton Rouge. The James Bickford Scholarship Fund is being established in his memory. It will be awarded each year to one graduating Chalmette High School Track and Field athlete. Donations to this fund can be made at any branch of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company. Family, friends, colleagues, students, athletes, and sports enthusiasts are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 24, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, North Ballroom, 8245 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043. To sign and view the family guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com.