Source: Blog – Alliance for American Manufacturing

Jim Bickhart accepting the United Steelworkers (USW) Lifetime Achievement Award at the District 4 Conference in 2016 Photo courtesy of the United Steelworkers

The Navy veteran and longtime steelworker was a dedicated advocate for workers and American manufacturing.

The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) is sad to report that AAM site coordinator and activist James “Jim” Bickhart passed away on Monday, Feb. 3. He was 82. A 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Jim served two years on active duty and 22 years in the reserves.

Jim’s career took off in 1967 when he began working as a Rolling Mill Operator at Allegheny Ludlum in Dunkirk, N.Y., producing wires, rods and bars from stainless steel. Upon hiring in, he proudly joined the union, the United Steelworkers (USW), and quickly became a leader serving as a union steward and President of Local 2693. His skills as a negotiator and arbitrator were highly respected, and he rarely backed down from a fight when it came to protecting workers’ rights. Between working shifts at the steel mill, he attended Fredonia State University and earned a degree in economics.

In 1985, Jim became an International Staff Representative and Organizer with the USWA, in District 4. He dedicated his career to servicing local unions, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security. Even after retiring in 2003, he remained deeply engaged, leading the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) as District 4 Coordinator and president of Chapter 4-1. His leadership was recognized nationally when he was elected to the SOAR Executive Board in 2008.

For his lifelong commitment to the labor movement, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Steelworkers, in 2016.

As an AAM site coordinator, he worked to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, participating in monthly meetings and organizing events in Buffalo. AAM President Scott Paul reflected, “Jim was a dedicated advocate for the Alliance for American Manufacturing and our efforts to preserve factory jobs in the U.S. His work was inspirational, and we will miss him dearly.”

He left a lasting impact, and those who worked alongside him would agree. Jim and his wife of over 56 years, Theresa, were a great team, often working together on causes close to their hearts. Together, they fought for fair trade policies and workers’ rights, standing up for workers and communities affected by the decline in manufacturing.

Jim also served as president of the Dunkirk Area Labor Council for over 30 years and was elected vice president of the New York State AFL-CIO. In 2006, he earned the AFL-CIO’s Labor Leader of the Year award.

Jim’s advocacy reached far beyond the union halls.

He dedicated his time to volunteering in Western New York to improve the lives of others, leading efforts to help displaced workers find new opportunities. Jim and Theresa were recognized by both Democratic and Republican committees for their dedication to community service.

In their community, he participated in local beach clean-ups.

He served on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army and the County Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society.

And when he was not working, he enjoyed a round of golf and loved spending time in Florida to beat the winter blues. He was always cheering for the Yankees and Buffalo Bills. Those who knew him knew he loved music, dancing, and a good party.

Jim never sat on the sidelines. He will be remembered for his leadership, kindness, humor, and ability to inspire. He believed in the power of collective action and standing up for what is right.

Jim made a difference. And for that, we honor him.

For the sliver of his life that we were fortunate enough to be a part of, we are deeply grateful to have known him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Theresa; his children, Celynn and Anthony; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

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