James S. Bickhart

JAMES S. Bickhart, 82, of Dunkirk New York passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 at Buffalo General Hospital surrounded by love. Jim was born October 29, 1942 to Harry C. Bickhart and Genevieve T. (Kozlowski) Bickhart at Brooks Memorial Hospital. Jim married Theresa A. Crowell, November 22, 1968 and they made their home in Dunkirk. They were both very interested in the labor movement.

At an early age Jim’s family moved to Sheridan. Where he attended Sheridan No. 8, a two room school house. He walked to school each day through a creek and Myers Grove. A teacher who had a special place in his heart was Miss Budd. The students from Sheridan No. 8 formed lifelong friendships. After eighth grade Jim attended Dunkirk High School, and when the school district centralized, he continued his education at Fredonia High School. Where he lettered in football and track and graduated in 1961.

In 1960 while still in high school Jim joined the US Navy and in August 1961 he commenced his active duty. He was stationed aboard the USS Mattaponi AO-41, a refueling tanker on the West Coast. While the Mattaponi was stationed at Todd Ship Repair, Jim, managed “Bobby and the Tricounts” an all Navy rock ‘n’ roll band. He entered the band in a talent show and they won first place. They were schedule to appear on the Ted Mac Amateur Hour, however the Ship moved on. While stationed in San Francisco, Jim joined the YMCA, and he soon became editor of the Y’s newspaper. He was the USS Mattaponi ships barber. Upon his Honorable Discharge from active duty Jim, joined the US Naval Reserve. During his time with the Naval Reserve, Jim chaired the committee to honor Commander Dr. Harry B. Lyon, the founder of the Dunkirk Naval Reserve Station. Jim also served as a Naval Reserve Recruiter. He retired honorable from the USNR First Class Petty Officer Ship Service Man in 1984.

Jim graduated from Roberts Barber School in Buffalo, New York after his active duty. He worked as a barber in Buffalo for a time before moving back to Fredonia in 1966.

Jim began working for Allegheny Ludlum Corporation in 1967 on the 14” mill at Howard Avenue and bid on to the Bar & Rod mill on Brigham Road. Shortly after he began his union career with LU 2693 USWA as a shop steward, then as trustee and in 1970 elected recording secretary of his union. His union career was to last 57 years. Jim, chaired many committees including Pensions & Insurance and Fringe Benefits Committee. He started the LU 2693 Newsletter. In 1973 Jim was appointed Vice President of LU 2693 to fill a vacated term and was then elected to the position. He served on the Negotiating Committee for many contracts. While VP of LU 2693 Jim was appointed to a committee to research the feasibility of the union starting a credit union. The outcome of this committee was to form the Al Tech Credit Union in 1977. As vice president Jim served as a delegate from LU 2693 to the USWA District 4 Legislative Board.

In 1973 Jim was appointed delegate by his Local Union to the Dunkirk Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO he served the council for 33 years including as Council President for 30 years. Jim was appointed to the New York State AFL-CIO and he was elected Vice President of New York State, AFL-CIO, and served in that capacity for many years.

In 1979 Jim was elected President of LU 2693 USWA and served in that capacity until 1985. During this time, he negotiated contracts for the Local Union, implemented the contract, handled the two-step grievance process and oversaw health and safety issues. In 1979 he successfully resolved a three day union meeting between LU 2693 and Al Tech Specialty Steel Corporation with no punitive action for the employees.

During this time, Jim also worked with Dr. Adolph Lena to protect the specialty stainless steel market by seeking to imposing tariffs on foreign countries who sought to dump their steel in the US market. Jim, worked tirelessly for Fair Trade. He brought Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan to Dunkirk for a Save American Jobs Rally.

In 1985 Jim was appointed International Staff Representative for USWA District 4. He began as a union organizer and then as a servicing staff member working in the private and public sector. He serviced 21 local unions and units in contract negotiation, third step grievance handling, and arbitration hearing. Jim, quickly gained a reputation as a tough negotiator and as a skilled arbitrator, and as a result, had many companies willing to negotiate grievance settlements rather than go to Arbitration. Also 1998 Jim was appointed Legislative Coordinator for District 4 USWA. He remained in these positions until retirement in 2003. In 1988 Jim and Theresa were elected delegates to the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Jim, with District 4 Steelworkers, successfully brought Presidential Candidate Michael Dukakis to the Philip Murray Union Hall in Dunkirk for a rally.

Upon retirement in 2003 Jim was appointed by the USW to the Alliance for American Manufacturing Committee. He was a coordinator and remained active in the AAM until his passing.

Jim, was elected to the Steelworkers Organization for Active Retirees USWA Executive Board for District 4 in 2005. He served as New York State Coordinator SOAR District 4 until 2016. He also served as the SOAR Chapter 4-1 President until present.

Jim attended Fredonia State University while working the 12 to 8 shift at the steel plant. He was Vice-President of the Business Economic Club on campus. He graduated in 1976 from the State University of New York at Fredonia, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics.

In the 1970’s Jim was Recording Secretary for the Democratic City Committee while serving as a Committeeman . He served as campaign chairman for Leon Damian. He served as Director for Economic Development for Mayor Damian. He was on the committee to research the development of Lake Erie water front and research the possibility of bringing a Hotel to the lake front.

Jim, served as New Economic Process Coordinator, City of Dunkirk to Chautauqua County. He served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for Dunkirk, and was on the American Cancer Society, County Board of Directors. He was Chairman of the City of Dunkirk American Cancer Society Drive. He served on the Brooks Memorial Building Fundraiser. He served on the Dunkirk Regional Planning Board. He was a labor delegate to the United Way Board. He was on the Board of Directors for the Workplace Education & Training Program. He was an advisor for Boy Scouts Explorer Ship 54. Jim served on the Board of Directors for Wokers Memorial from its inception in 2001 until present, first as Co-Chairman then as President Emeritus.

Jim was well recognized for his labor and civic achievements. In 1972 Jim received the Admiral Hooper Award from the USNR. In 1975 he was selected to Who’s Who in Labor. In 1989 Jim received the CSEA Community Service Award presented by LU 807. In 1993 Jim was honored by the Chautauqua County Democratic Committee at the Annual Labor Dinner. In 2005 the Chautauqua County Republican Committee recognized Jim and Theresa for their community service and dedication to the Workplace Education & Training Program. In 2006 Jim received the AFL-CIO Labor Leader of the Year Award. In 2016, Jim received a Life Time Achievement Award from United Steel Workers presented by District 4 Director John Shinn at the District 4 Conference in Atlantic City. In 2023 the Dunkirk Area Labor Council AFL-CIO presented Jim with the Life Achievement Award for over 50 years of service to the labor movement and to the community.

Jim enjoyed golf and was Tuesday Night Golf League President at Cassadaga Country Club for several years. He was known far and wide as “Uncle Jimmy“. Jim held membership in the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club; First Ward Falcon Club; Kosciuszko Club; Moniuszko Club; Dompolski Club; Dunkirk Exempt Fireman’s Association and Southern Tier Bills Booster Club.

Jim was the carnival barker in the movie the Natural. He was hired as a actor with a one day SAG contract. When the lines for the carnival barker didn’t work Jim wrote his own lines, which were personally approved on the spot by Robert Redford. His laugh and smile will be a lasting memory to many. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida; visiting historic sites, as well as Civil War and WWII history. He loved music, dancing and a good party. Jim would celebrate his Birthday for a month.

Jim is survived by his wife Theresa of 56 years and his children, Celynn and Anthony. Also five grandchildren: Ashley, Robert, Krystle, James and Nicholas and four great grand children: Angelo, Elijah, James and Evayah. He is also survived by one brother in law James (Rebecca Schafer) Crowell . Jim had a large extended family including many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews as well as loving cousins.

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, Harry and Genevieve Bickhart, his sister and brother in law, Patricia (James) Johnson, and sister and brother in law Christine (Ted) Lesso.

Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends. He truly was the Captain of His Own Destiny.

Memorial donations can be made to City of Dunkirk Fire Department, 311 Eagle St., Dunkirk, NY 14048 or Sheridan Fire Department, P.O. Box 122, Sheridan, NY 14135; or to Live Like Luca, Northern Chautauqua County Foundation, 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048; or to www.carsonsenfieldfoundation.com

Family and friends are welcome to attend calling hours on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 4-7p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Dunkirk, NY. Interment will be private.