John Daniel Beckerley

John Daniel Beckerley was born on September 18, 1963, in Austin, Texas to Ema Jean Marcum Beckerley and James Albert Beckerley who preceded him in death. John graduated from John H. Reagan High School in 1982 and went on to graduate from Southwest School of Electronics. He then went to work for Xerox Corp for 20 years, OCE North America for 3 years and then Miller IDS for 14 years before retiring in 2020.

John married the love of his life, April Lea Finklea, on Nov. 5,1988, whom he knew since kindergarten. They set out on almost 35 years of adventure full of love, family, friends, music, church, and travel with Galveston being their favorite place. They rarely left each other’s side.

John so loved his family, his sisters Lorrie Pickering and husband Terry, Jena Kokas and husband Tom, and his brother David Beckerley and wife Cathy. He also had wonderful nieces and nephews, Holly Rios and husband Don and their children Riley, Reagan, and Reece; Catelyn and Cameryn Beckerley; Amber Kokas and son Jackson, and Taylor Kokas; Justin Pickering and wife Amy and their son, Silas; Ty Pickering, his wife Sarah, and their children Lindsay, Colton John, Braxton, and Ashton; Brother-n-Law Pete Finklea and wife Karen. Family was the utmost important part of his life! Spending time, holidays, birthdays, and special occasions were a must and rarely missed! I must also mention his beloved cats, Bobby, his pride & joy, Abby and Lulu, as well as several cats & dogs from years past that gave him such love, joy and entertainment.

John loved music with a passion. He learned to play guitar at a young age and later formed a band that made his love for music flourish. His wonderful band mates helped to lift his musical talent to new levels. Pat Mazur, April Sartor and Wayne Decker were the perfect match for his musical style where they all collaborated to produce some amazing songs and tunes in John’s own personal music studio. If anyone had the privilege of watching him play, they knew he had a gift. John’s mentor and friend, Van Wilks, inspired John to expand his musical style all while developing a genuine friendship that John cherished. John also played in the Life Austin Worship band which he so enjoyed. His favorite saying about himself: “A nice guy with a guitar problem! I have M.G.A.S. Musical Gear Acquisition Syndrome”.

Church life was very important to John. As a child he attended St George’s Episcopal Church and served in many capacities throughout the years. Later he attended Life Austin which truly touched his spirit. He served as part of the Dream Team doing Toddler Duty, which he absolutely loved. He was given the title of “Human Jungle Gym” as the toddlers would climb all over him – he was so proud of that!

John also loved his cars! Wanda (1967 Barracuda) was his special project in which he took great pride. Getting her on the road after years of work was a huge moment for him. Taking her to shows and outings with the Central Texas Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America (Road Relics) and the Mopar Muscle Cars of Austin or the “Rat Rod Rallies” on South Congress was one of his favorite events. Madam Blue (2013 Infiniti G37) was his dream car, and he always rode in style in her with the sunroof open!!!

John, I remember when we first met. I moved to Austin in 1969 and you were one of the first people I got to know. We became best friends while I was in kindergarten and 1st grade. We played hide-n-seek with all the neighborhood kids, played in your sandbox, flew kites, and I learned to ride a bike on your bike. When I moved away, I so missed you. We were meant to be because I re-met you 15 years later. Soon we figured out that we were those childhood friends from so long ago and we never stayed apart after that. Three years later, we married and had the most wonderful marriage and adventures. What a blessing our lives were together!! Now, I must go forth without you and my life will never be the same. Thank you for your love, devotion, your wonderful smile, and sense of humor. I will miss you more than words can say! You made me promise to continue forward and to pursue the dreams we didn’t get to finish. Somehow, I will honor your wishes for me, though it will never be the same. I am so grateful for all the years we had together and someday we will be together again. Rest in peace my love and may God keep you close and enjoy being pain free! I love you John, forever & ever!!

I would like to give special thanks to several wonderful doctors and staff who helped John throughout the past few years, PA. Ralph Hadley of Victory Medical, Dr. Stanley Wang of Austin Heart, Dr. Wm. Rodriguez and BSN, PDRN Margaret Gessner of El Milagro Dialysis Center, Dr. Mahwash Kassi, Dr. Alpesh Shah and Leo M. Medina Heart Transplant NP of Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. No matter how bad John felt, he always kept his faith & positive outlook.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians) or Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates, Texas Medical Center.