Jack Van Ness Rickard, devoted husband, servant of the Lord, a true Southern Gentleman, and a loving father, grandfather, and uncle, entered into His Lord and Savior’s presence hand in hand with his wife, Betty, on April 26, 2016. He shared sixty years of wedded love and life and longed to be with her since her passing on September 27, 2003.
He was born in Strasburg, VA on June 5, 1923, and grew up delivering papers and doing all sorts of work including carpentry and mechanics. Mr. Rickard, a lifelong resident with a family history of 200 years in the Shenandoah County area, graduated from Stephens City High School in 1941.
During World War II, he was assigned to the Virgin Islands where his mechanical skills enabled him to devote patriotic service to the US Navy. After the War ended, he eventually brought his new bride, Betty Louise Moore Rickard, to the Virgin Islands for an extended honeymoon after they were married on September 12, 1943 in Hagerstown, MD. Together, they ministered to the military members as he completed his tour of duty for the US Navy.
Upon return to the Valley with his bride, he settled on the family farm, built a home and raised three wonderfully talented and gifted daughters who shared with him a love for Southern Gospel Music. As a family, they traveled to many concerts, hymn sings, and events associated with quartet music. His love for the Statesmen Quartet, the “Big Chief” Jim Wetherington, Doy Ott, Jake Hess, Rosie Rozell and Hovie Lister gave him great joy and hope. During his pilgrimage, he and his family visited all the lower “forty-eight” and Alaska. He especially enjoyed pulling his camper trailer to Bar Harbor, Maine in the fall season and to Florida in the winter.
He served for 38 years with the Shockey Companies as a foreman and field superintendent in the casting yard and was well loved and respected by each and every member that he worked with in the plant. He embraced a servant leadership role that touched so many lives. He could do anything and everything that he found before him and never met a problem that did not have a solution.
His service to the Lord and works follow him now and for eternity. He was part of the founding and growth of the Full Gospel Assembly of God in Winchester, VA, (now Abundant Life Church, Stephens City). He served on the Trustee Board and was the Sunday School Superintendent. His car always had enough room for as many as would fit when they went to church every time the door of the church opened. He never knew a stranger.
Jack was a supporter of Southern Light Radio and over its 25 year history gave countless resources of time, talents and treasures. He was an instrumental supporter of Headlight in Trucking Ministries, David Wilkerson Ministries, Inwood Assembly of God, and the Pilgrim Tract Society. He not only gave a cup of cold water to weary pilgrims, but became most commonly known as the “Bread Man” with his countless loaves of bread he made. He wore out nine bread machines ensuring that family, friends, and neighbors had a loaf of fresh bread. He has numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family who loved his smile, laughter and generous heart that overflowed with compassion and grace for all. He always had room at his table for anyone who came by for a visit and a fresh cup of coffee. He was a good and faithful man who whatever he did, it was well done and on the day of his heavenly arrival, he received many rewards and crowns.
Besides his dearly loved and departed wife, Betty, he now awaits his daughters, Marjorie Ann Clemson (Marlin), Jacqueline Louise DeHaven (Donald), and Sheryl Jane Hesse (Daniel), his grandson, Mark DeHaven (Lisa), Lane DeHaven, and Great Grandson, Cole Van Ness DeHaven. He rests now with his parents, Roy and Mary Belva Rickard, a sister, Janice Long, and a brother, Roy “Sonny” Rickard and many beloved family and friends who rejoice with him in His reward. Pallbearers will be Mark DeHaven, Lane DeHaven, Douglas DeHaven, Donald DeHaven, Paul McFarland Jr, and Todd McFarland.
Honorary pallbearers will be Hershell Kelly, Gary Kelly, Randy Rickard, Alan Rickard and Rick Thweatt, James Butts and Scott DeHaven.
Services will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at the Jones Funeral Home in Winchester, VA with a viewing from 12:00–1:00 p.m. and a funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. The Reverend James E. Schuelke will officiate and an internment service will follow in the Mount Olive Methodist Cemetery in Hayfield, VA.

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