John "Butch" Gerald Pickard

John "Butch" Pickard was born in Ilion, New York to John Grover Pickard and Gertrude Margaret Robinson Pickard. His father passed away a few years after his birth in1951. His family moved from Rome, NY to Binghamton, NY when he was 6. While growing in Binghamton John became a member of the Binghamton Boy’s Club. He spent most of his childhood growing and learning through this club. His first job was at the coat counter at the club where he was paid 29 cents an hour. He would go on to become a member of the Junior Sertoma Club. He would serve many roles and functions within the club, but his favorite was driving the bus. He also was very passionate about working at Camp Sertoma where he would spend most of his summers serving wherever needed. On August 11, 1973, John would marry the love of his life Frances Lynn Dolezal. They would have 3 children and 5 beautiful grandchildren that John absolutely adored.

In 1979 they would relocate to Colorado. While living in Colorado John started with a company called Midwest Air Charter which was soon acquired by Airborne Freight and renamed ABX AIR. He spent 2 years in Colorado before relocating with ABX to San Jose, California in 1981. After 2 years he relocated again with ABX to Wilmington, Ohio. He was made supervisor in 1986 and then in 1987 named Ramp area manager. In 1989, he relocated one final time with ABX to South Bend, IN, as hub manager. In 1991 he was promoted to Midwest regional hub manager, overseeing operations in Missouri, Memphis, California and Texas. In 1998 he left ABX to take a position with JB Hunt Trucking. His primary role was delivery operations at Weyerhauser Wood Products in Elkhart, Indiana. He was then given Borkholder Furniture. Merchants Metals, Weyerhauser in Arkansas, and Masterbrand Cabinets to oversee. In 2010 he retired from JB Hunt. John could not remain retired for long. In 2012 John decided to drive for his local school district, Penn-Harrison-Madison. He took pride in the role he played in every single child’s life. He thoroughly enjoyed each and every day driving the bus. He would continue driving up until his passing.

In John’s free time he and his family started practicing taekwondo. In December of 1993 he earned his black belt and in July of 1995 earned his instructors certificate to teach. John wanted to share his passion for taekwondo with his community so in 1996 he opened Pickards Taekwondo. He also opened taekwondo schools at Knollwood Country Club and at the St Joseph Boys and Girls Club. (John would cover all expenses associated with the Boys and Girls Club.) After a successful 5 years he decided to sell the studio, and it became Beisels Taekwondo.

He is preceded in death by his father John Grover Pickard, his mother Gertrude Margaret Robinson Pickard, his brother Thomas O. Pickard, his sister Rachel Pickard Beriman, his foster sister Linda Devine, and stepsister Ruth Hannah. He is survived by his wife Frances Pickard of Granger, daughter Kristi Pickard of Granger, son John Pickard Jr (Katie) of Elkhart, and son Joe Pickard of Binghamton. He leaves behind four grandsons Emery Pickard, Lewis Pickard, Oliver Pickard, Camden Pickard and one granddaughter Alison Pickard. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews Ken Pickard (Kim), Elsie Pickard Watson (Donald), Thomas Pickard (Justina), Ellen Pickard Mclean (Randy), Michelle Button (Donnie), Lori Sagaguchi (Bradley), Misty Lou Finch (Jeff), Sharon Sarauw, Joe Devine, Donna Staub (PJ), Dawn Hagerman, Melissa McMahon (Kris), Traci Rought, Teressa Sura (Anthony).

There will be two celebration of life ceremonies (one in Indiana and one in New York). The Indiana celebration will be held Friday, October 3rd at St. Thomas Church (Elliot Hall). The celebration service will begin at 5pm with open visitation after. We welcome all to come to share stories and memories and help celebrate the wonderful life of John Pickard. The New York celebration will be determined at a later date.  In lieu of flowers it is John’s wishes that donations be made to any local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club.

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