John Martin Wickman

John Martin Wickman, 87, of Palmyra, VA, passed away on November 2, 2018. John was born on September 30, 1931, in Perth Amboy, NY, to the late Martin and Jennie Myslenski Wickman. After serving in the Navy, John became a mechanical design draftsman, a career he enjoyed until retirement. John was an avid gardener, growing family favorites of tomatoes, jalapenos, green peppers, squash and chard. Although a hunter in his younger years, John became an enthralled spectator of wildlife in later years, taking his greatest joy from watching the birds at the feeder, the squirrels' antics on the back deck, the ducks and deer visiting his property. Nobody made better Swedish meatballs or chicken fingers. Grocery shopping and dining out with his daughter rounded out the simple joys in his life. His cat Chyna was one of the loves of his life and provided him with comfort and companionship. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Geraldine Elsie Wickman, and an aunt and uncle, Kay and Ed Mislinski. John is survived by his daughter, Charlene Wickman, who will sorely miss his company, and a sister, Barbara DePhilippo. John’s ashes will be scattered at a later date with his wife, Gerry, in one of the locations they so loved in Vermont. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.