Thomas Edward Ricketts

Thomas “Tommy” Edward Ricketts, 60 Beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend, Thomas “Tommy” Edward Ricketts, 60, of Athol, Idaho, peacefully passed away at his home on May 2, 2020. Tommy was born in Livermore, California on August 18, 1959; the son of Edward Dorsey and Genevieve Rose (Hartzell) Ricketts. Tommy was born and raised in Livermore, California. Shortly after graduating high school, He went to work for the parks department at the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District. He continued to work for them for over 30 years in park maintenance. It was working for the park where he met the great love of his life, Ja’Nette Hathcox. Tommy and Ja’Nette were united in holy matrimony on April 26, 2014. They were lucky enough to spend 6 wonderful years together. It has been said that he waited 55 years of his life to find her, their love will forever be cherished. Tommy was heavily involved within the Livermore community. He was a fixture at the Livermore Rodeo where he volunteered countless hours for several decades. He was a part of the Clampers- a brotherhood of men who donated their time and money to children's charities and hospitals, monument maintenance, and groundskeeping. Tommy was also a member of The Native Sons of the Golden West, an organization that dedicated itself to historic preservations and other charitable functions with California. Their motto is: 'Friendship, Loyalty and Charity', a motto that also describes the heart and integrity that Tommy stood for as a proud member. Tommy even coached Livermore High School Football for a number of seasons. Aside from all this charitable work and the work at the parks department, he still found the time to own a gun shop for about 10 years as well. Tommy, being a man of the great outdoors, also enjoyed gardening, hunting, and taking care of his guns. He really enjoyed his “big boy toys”, especially his big red Dodge Ram truck. Tommy was so happy when he was driving his truck. It was the simplest things in life that brought Tommy the most joy. A one of a kind outdoorsman and cowboy, Tommy was a special human being. He was the nicest guy who was always willing to help anybody. He loved people and people loved him. There was always someone saying, “Ask Tommy” when anything needed to be done, followed by a “Not a problem”, from Tommy. He was the pinnacle of selflessness with a generous heart. Tommy had a particularly special place in his heart for his niece, Melyssa. She always said Tommy was the only man who never let her down. He had also taken in others under his wing and became a staple in their life. Tommy was not only a shoulder to cry on, he was the rock for so many people. He always committed to being there for those who needed him, and he never let anyone down. Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Ja’Nette Ricketts of Athol, Idaho; two brothers, Rick (Diane) Ricketts and Jason Ricketts; his neice, Melyssa; and his cousin, Robin Rasmussen. Tommy was preceded in death by both parents, Edward and Genevieve; as well as his brother, Dennis. To know Tommy, was to love him. Tommy was everyone’s John Wayne. He lived by a John Wayne quote: “A Man’s Got To Have A Code, A Creed To Live by...” He will forever be missed and will always be in our hearts. There are no scheduled services at this time. Bell Tower Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.