Kenneth G. Wickham Jr.

Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Kenny spent most of his life in Jackson, where he built a life defined by hard work, loyalty, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to family. He learned his trade from his father and carried on the family business, earning the respect of those who knew him through his strong work ethic and willingness to help others.

To know Kenny was to know his unmistakable presence. He was loud, funny, stubborn, and full of life. Whether greeting someone with a cheerful “What’s up, dude?” or cracking jokes to make others laugh, Kenny had a way of bringing energy into every room he entered. He was a prankster at heart, loved making people laugh, and could find humor in almost any situation. If Kenny was around, chances are you heard him before you saw him.

Kenny had a lifelong love for the outdoors. An accomplished archer and dedicated hunter, he competed in archery events and traveled throughout the country pursuing his passion for bowhunting. He spent countless hours fishing, crabbing, clamming, camping, and exploring the outdoors with friends and family. He was also an avid bowler, participated in fishing tournaments, enjoyed horseshoes and quad riding, and loved sharing his knowledge with others. Whether teaching someone how to fish, helping them learn archery, or introducing them to the outdoors, Kenny found great joy in passing on the hobbies he loved.

He was equally at home around a grill as he was in the woods. Known for his pig roasts, backyard barbecues, and adventurous palate, Kenny loved bringing people together through food, laughter, and good company. He was always willing to try something new and believed that some of life’s best memories were made around a table surrounded by family and friends.

More than any hobby, accomplishment, or career achievement, Kenny was proud of the people he helped raise and the lives he touched. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Jan, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. Together they raised their daughter, Victoria, and helped raise their niece, Vanessa. Kenny’s role as a caregiver and provider extended far beyond his immediate household. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, whether that meant repairing a car, fixing something around the house, lending a helping hand, or simply showing up when someone needed him.

One of Kenny’s greatest joys was being a grandfather. He helped raise his granddaughters, Jade and Kendra, and took immense pride in the young women they became. He encouraged them to work hard, believe in themselves, and never give up when faced with a challenge. He shared his love of learning, taught practical life skills, and created countless memories through fishing trips, movie theater outings, quad rides, family outings, amusement parks, ice cream runs, and days spent simply having fun together. He was also a loving grandfather to Isaiah, who brought him great joy.

Those who knew Kenny knew that family was never limited to blood. Friends quickly became family, and once you were part of Kenny’s circle, you always had someone you could count on. Family was at the center of his life. He treasured time spent with loved ones, whether on hunting trips, fishing excursions, backyard gatherings, holidays, or the everyday moments that became cherished memories.

Kenny was predeceased by his mother, Gladys Wickham; his lifelong best friend and brother in all the ways that mattered, James Selph; and his parents-in-law, Leonard and Joyce Magee.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Jan; his father, Kenneth Wickham Sr.; his brothers, Keith Wickham and Kevin Wickham and his wife, Sue; his sister-in-law, Jill Lewis and her husband, Tom; his sister-in-law, Diane Harvey; and his brothers-in-law, Gary Magee and his wife, Beth, and Dale Magee and his wife, Sally.

He is also survived by his daughter, Victoria Wickham; his niece Vanessa Valverde, whom he helped raise; his niece and goddaughter, Lea O’Brien; Susan Carpenter, widow of his late best friend James Selph; his godson, Jeremy Selph and his wife, Jaime; and his grandchildren, Jade, Kendra, and Isaiah.

He also leaves behind his nieces, Lissette Malek, Jessica Wickham, Brooke Franciosi, Nicole Rooney, Megan Gwinnett, and Kathryn Fryka; his nephews, Keith Wickham, Kenneth Wickham, and Rob Wickham; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, nieces, nephews, and all those whose lives were enriched by his generosity, guidance, friendship, and love.

Kenny will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, love of the outdoors, and the countless lives he touched through his guidance, friendship, and unwavering support. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the people he mentored, and the memories he created.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.