John Ricker

John was born in Easton, PA, on May 21, 1938, and was raised in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He was the son of Ralph Frank Ricker and Kathryn Elizabeth Wieghorst-Ricker. He graduated from Somerville High School, in Somerville, NJ, and earned a BBA degree, with honors, from Southwest Texas State University.

John served 20 years in the Air Force, serving in the early years as an aircraft crew chief on both the RF-101 reconnaissance aircraft and the F-106 fighter aircraft. As the Air Force started phasing into the early use of computers, in the mid-1960s, he turned in his wrench and screwdriver to become a leader in the development of computerized management information systems, dealing with aircraft performance and maintainability. He retired in April 1978 but stayed connected as a regular attendee at both the TAC Recce and Voodoo Pilots reunions.

After the Air Force, John continued his interest in software development. He worked for six years at the Austin-Travis County Mental Health and Retardation Center and later spent 15 years at American Physician Insurance Exchange, retiring in February 2002.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Jeanette, who passed away on March 14, 2003, his parents Ralph and Kathryn, and two brothers, William C. Ricker and James R. Ricker.

John is survived by his son, Colonel Robert A. Ricker (USAF) and his wife, Karon; daughter, Sharon Lynn Devaney and her husband Chris and grandchildren, First Lieutenant Cade Austin Ricker (USA) and Dylan Christopher Devaney.

In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated and a private memorial service will be held at a later time.