Jimmy Wayne Wickiser
Jimmy Wayne Wickiser, 80, was born at
home in Craig, Missouri, His parents were Ernest Garth Wickiser and
Lillian Combs Wickiser. Along with his brother Clyde and sister Kay
they enjoyed a lively and loving family. Jim died on Wednesday,
October 14, 2020 at Newton Comfort Care Home. Jimmy lived his last
two years in long-term care due to Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body
Dementia. He was exposed to Agent Orange during military service in
Vietnam. He received excellent care from Comfort Care Homes and Good
Shepherd Hospice.
Jimmy graduated from Smithville (MO)
High School as captain of his high school basketball team. He
graduated from University of Missouri with a B.S. in Electrical
Engineering. During his college years, he took time away for a
three-year stint in the U.S. Army. He received his U.S. Air Force
pilot's wings and began a career with the Air Force. He earned a
master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Air Force
Institute of Technology. His career included serving as an aircraft
commander of the KC135 at McConnell, a cargo pilot volunteering two
tours of duty in Vietnam, working in communications engineering at
Boeing.
He married his wife Susie in 1975 and
delighted being stepfather to brothers Barry and Brad Marshall. They
enjoyed travel, spending time with family in the U.S., the
Philippines, and Indonesia. His hobbies included St. Louis Cardinals
baseball, fitness, playing basketball, and reading history,
environmental studies, and scientific journals. His lifelong passion
for cars included owning a special car for 50 years, 1967 Shelby
Cobra GT 350 fastback. He also engaged in many automotive projects.
He spent a decade racing Formula Fords on oval tracks.
He was predeceased by his parents,
infant sister Judith Elaine Wickiser, and his golfing-buddy brother
Clyde Wickiser.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Susie;
sister Kay (Michael) Bizelli, sister-in-law Pinkhan C.R. Warouw
Wickiser of Jakarta, Indonesia.
Stepson Barry Marshall's family
includes Stevii, Davis (Angela), and Jaron Marshall, and friend
Soo-jim Kim.
Stepson Brad (Julie) Marshall have a
blended family including Julian Marshall, Ellie Marshall, Tevin
Berry, Jada Berry, Ty Berry, and Nicole Berry.
Other extended family members include
Carolyn Charest, Lee and Sandy Charest, Debi and Doug Kemper,
Michelle Marshall, Michele and Corey Janssens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are
suggested to the Salvation Army Harvest of Love or Trinity Heights
United Methodist Church.
The service celebrating the life of
Jimmy Wickiser is Saturday, October 24, 2020, 11 a.m., at Trinity
Heights United Methodist Church, There will be a Zoom option. Those
attending in person will respect the COVID-19 requirements of social
distancing. Mask wearing will be required.
On-line condolences may be left at
www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com
