John Marshall Bickerstaff

John Marshall Bickerstaff, 92, passed away October 1, 2016 in Jacksonville, FL. Born in Atlanta, GA May 26, 1924, he graduated from the old Boy’s High School in Atlanta and from The Georgia Institute of Technology in 1949. His education was interrupted in April 1943 when he and a fraternity brother volunteered for the Army and were enlisted therein at the same time. They served together in the 102nd Infantry Division in France and Germany during WWII. After completing their Army duty, these two friends returned to GA Tech and resumed their education and membership in the Chi Phi Fraternity.

John first worked for Southern Cement Co of Birmingham, AL as a sales rep. He started his own business, as a residential builder in 1956, and then shortly after as a commercial general contractor. His company was involved in the construction of churches, educational bldgs, offices, telephone bldgs, institutional bldgs, U.S. Navy bldgs and other for nearly thirty years before semi-retirement. He then worked with his real estate investments and enjoyed tennis, traveling, photography and his computer. He was a member of the Ortega United Methodist Church, Rotary Club of West Jacksonville, English Speaking Union and Timuquana Country Club.

John was the son of Charles Augustus and Mabel Hurt Bickerstaff of Atlanta. His father was Southeastern Manager of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co of San Francisco. His mother was the daughter of Joel Hurt, one of the most prominent early real estate, insurance, banking and electric railway developers in Atlanta.

He is survived by his wife Betty Sue Mixson of Valdosta, GA, daughter Patricia Lee Flynn of Palm City, FL, twin sons John Herbert Bickerstaff (Melissa) of Orlando, FL and Marshall Hurt Bickerstaff (Ursula) of St. Augustine, FL. Also Susan Harbin (Joe) and Stephen Spraker of Jacksonville, FL. John’s two older brothers, Charles A. Bickerstaff Jr. (Gayle) of Atlanta and Joel Hurt Bickerstaff (Dorothy) of Orlando are both deceased. All three brothers served their country in WWII in the European Theater. His sister Annie Bright West (Robert) of St. Simons Island, GA was the last of his immediate family to succumb, passing away January 2003.

Grandchildren are Justin, Brandon, Madeline and Johnathon Bickerstaff of Orlando, FL. Also Patrick, John, and Carlee Flynn of Palm City, FL and Andrew and Tindell Harbin of Jacksonville.

Memorial service will be held at 11am Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Ortega United Methodist Chapel, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210. Arrangements made by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 729 Edgewood Ave. South, Jacksonville, FL 32205. Burial will be at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta at the Bickerstaff family plot at a later date. Any donations may be sent to Ortega United Methodist Church.