John Charles Hickman

March 23, 1951 - December 24, 2008

JOHN CHARLES HICKMAN, 57, of Chocolate Bayou, TX left the planet December 24, 2008. John was born March 23, 1951 in Bronxville, NY, grew up in Rumson, NJ and moved to Houston, TX in 1969.

Mechanically inclined, John started learning the innards of engines at an early age, by taking apart his Dad's boat motors. By the age of 15, he had totally rebuilt a 1950 Ford from parts found in NJ's Blevits Junk Yard. The maiden run came with him and his mother seated on folding lawn chairs in a stripped shell, while neighbors laughingly lined the driveway armed with fire extinguishers. Christened `Wild Honey', she ran just as John had intended, and he continued his mechanical interests though out his lifetime.

John loved his time in NJ where he learned and taught the value of loyalty, friendship, love, respect, responsibility, survival, appreciation for and of all creatures, and inspiring life's peak moments for his friends and family. John was the ultimate character. His move to Texas allotted him the experience of working and learning from a first class machine shop - Field Engineering And Services Company. John continued his machining passion throughout his life, with the last 10 years working alongside his friends and co workers at Arrow Machine. Approximately 24 years ago with his machinist eye, John constructed his ideal cabin with a hand saw. His woodworking then expanded into boats of all lengths, half hulls, furniture, work shop, docks and boxes, most of which he gave away. His pride and joy was the Gypsy Girl - a magnificent example of a 32' Sharpie. He was an avid reader, researcher, a champion for the `underdog' and had deep empathy for anyone less fortunate than he. His generosity of spirit was felt by strangers as well as friends. No one ever appreciated a good `tricking' better than John. Whether he was the one tricking, his nephew (and namesake) still tells the story of his Uncle shooting a rattlesnake and then wrapping it around a gate for others to find only after they had reached for the latch - or being tricked. He delighted the most when someone would get the best of him. He honored God, Jesus and his father every morning with a verbal greeting, followed by a fishing report. One of his recommendations for a happy life - keep dancing, everyday. John's multi faceted personality will be missed by all those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Earl Hickman.  He is survived by his mother, June Cleland Hickman of Rockport,TX; sister, Jane Guinn and husband, Lee of Rockport,TX; brother, Jim Hickman and wife, Jill of Austin,TX; and nephew, John C Hickman II of New Braunfels, TX; nieces Cyndi Dufresne of San Antonio,TX and Kaitlyn Dolan of Austin,TX.

John would have preferred you lend a hand to your neighbor or a contribution to the Brazoria Public Library. Services are pending - Scott Funeral Home 1421 East Hwy. 6 Alvin, TX. (281) 585-1000.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 12, 2009.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/john-hickman-obituary?id=24724461