James Bennett Rikard, 79, of Belmont, NC, formerly of Kings Mountain, passed away on May 16, 2021 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, NC.

He was born in Lexington County, SC, son of the late James Bratton and Lois Bennett Rikard and was preceded in death by two beloved sisters in law, Vivian Rikard and Joan Crawford. Jim was of the Methodist faith. He graduated Kings Mountain High School where he was a stand out football player. Jim was an avid Duke basketball fan and loved watching old westerns and black and white movies. He enjoyed being at home and spending time with his loving family. Jim's love and guidance will be missed greatly by his loved ones.

SURVIVORS: Wife of fifty-three years: Brenda Davis Rikard, of the home

Children: Gray Rikard of Belmont, NC and Kelly Sackinger and husband Chris of Charlotte, NC

Grandchildren: Jordan and Carson Sackinger, Charlotte, NC

Brothers: Jerry Rikard, Barry Rikard and wife Jenny, and Tommy Rikard and wife Jennifer, all of Kings Mountain, NC

Sister: Nancy Nolan and husband Pastor David Nolan of Granite Falls, NC

Brothers-in-law: Reverend Dr. Ernie Davis, Lake Wylie, SC, Danny Crawford, Kings Mountain, NC, and Tim Davis and wife Vanessa, Kings Mountain, NC

Sister-in-law: Terrie Southers (Donnie Walker), Kings Mountain, NC

Numerous nieces and nephews and other loving family

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 10:30 AM in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Pastor David Nolan officiating

VISITATION: Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 9:30 AM to 10:20 AM prior to the service at Harris Funeral Home

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA