John W. Pickrell

1926 - 2018

John W. Pickrell

Phoenix - John W. Pickrell, 91, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2018. A member of a multi-generation Arizona family, John was born September 20, 1926 to W. Smith and Pleasance Stoever Pickrell in Phoenix. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, William and Henry. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ilah Womack Pickrell; four children: Doug (Judy), Holly (Mike), Tom (Barbara) and Wayne; seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

John grew up on a small date ranch in Phoenix and graduated from North High School. After a Navy enlistment, he studied agriculture and engineering and earned a degree from Arizona State University.

John followed friends into cotton farming. He also had a knack for solving mechanical problems. The ravages of the boll weevil and other pests on the cotton crop led him into farm machinery design, particularly the use of hydraulic technology. John was associated with PAF Spray Corp, Broyhill Co. and, later in his career, Government Innovators, which pioneered the design and production of the automated side-loader garbage truck used for residential collection. He registered and licensed numerous patients for his mechanical inventions.

John was one of Scottsdale's first town council members and volunteered his time and talents maintaining the Scottsdale United Methodist Church for many years. He enjoyed hiking in Oak Creek Canyon, boating on Arizona's lakes, running 10Ks and marathons, watching ASU football and golfing with family and friends. He will be remembered for his buoyant smile, wry humor, and love of family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Phoenix, 5510 N. Central Avene, Phoenix on Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics Arizona.