Name: Celebration of Life for John Sickman
Start: 2018-07-08T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-07-08T22:00:00.000Z
Location: 4152 Oberlin Street, West University Place

John T. Sickman
1947-2018
John Theodore Sickman, 71, died in his sleep on June 17, 2018, in Maumee, Ohio. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada to a military family, the second son of George and Minnie Sickman, John or" JT", as he was affectionately known, lived a full life serving his country, treasuring his family and enriching the lives of friends and colleagues with his generosity, intellect and kindness. Naturally competitive and equipped with a strong internal drive to succeed, John led a life full of success and achievement. A veteran of the Vietnam War, John served his country in both Vietnam and South Korea. Commissioned Army 2nd Lieutenant at age twenty, a Platoon leader in Vietnam, Meritorious Service Medal recipient, and Army Captain, John truly understood how to lead and succeed under pressure.
Augmenting skills he honed in military service, John earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla in 1975 and received corporate sponsorship for an Executive MBA at the University of Houston, graduating in 1983. John built a successful career in the Oil and Gas Industry based on hard work, honesty, and cooperation, starting as a pipeline design engineer for Texas Eastern Corporation and retiring as a Senior Vice President at Duke Energy. Leading efforts to acquire and develop energy assets in Norway, Algeria, El Salvador, Belize, Ecuador, Argentina, and Peru he often worked closely with high-ranking government officials. After a brief retirement filled with baseball, golf, bridge, fishing and family time, John answered the call to serve his country again and accepted a position with U.S. Department of State as the Senior Consultant to the Iraqi Ministry and Minister of Oil, working in Baghdad from January 2006 to June 2007.
Despite his professional achievements, John's most important contribution was the kindness, love and support he gave his friends and family. He will truly be missed.
John is survived by his siblings George and Ellen; his wife, Jill; his three sons, Eric, Mike, and Stephen; his step children, Juli and Drew; the mothers of his sons, Jennifer and Jeanne; and his grandchildren Zack, Adam, Richie, Oliver, Owen and Lindsey.
In remembrance of their father, John's children will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 8, 2018. All John's friends and former colleagues are invited to join the family at an open house at 4152 Oberlin Street, West University Place from 2:00-5:00 pm to share, celebrate and remember the very special life of John T. Sickman.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jul. 1, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Sickman

Sponsored by Newcomer Funeral Home - Northwest Toledo Chapel.

5 Entries

John Waldorf

October 23, 2018

If I have the right John Sickman, and it sure looks like him, I served under him in "C" company, 36th Engr Bn in 1968 on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. He was a 2nd Lt. and the company XO. He was a good officer and well liked. He was famous for the Bermuda shorts he wore on Sundays. Spec 5 John Waldorf.

July 11, 2018

It is with deepest sympathy to hear of John's passing.

Former coworker at Texas Eastern
Charlene A. Bell
Houston, TX

July 2, 2018

In hearing of Johns passing Dr Savello and I, as well as many other colleagues who served with John in Iraq, send our deepest condolences to Johns family we were very sad to have received this news. Our dear friend possessed a large heart, a positive spirit, and made a difference to the Mission in Iraq and to us who served with him.

John was an admired and much liked colleague of ours in Iraq. His position as Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Oil was one of the most important Ministry positions for oil is the life blood of the country and the resource which will allow the government to provide much needed development and security for their citizens. The issues surrounding oil in Iraq were many and significant, very high profile, and had country-wide, regional, and international coalition implications. Johns professional experience, technical expertise, and leadership style all were well utilized in addressing the myriad of challenges he undertook each day.

The respect of his colleagues, the international community, countless military personnel, the Ambassador, and the Minister was something John easily earned through his dedication, sound judgment, and wise counsel. John had the trust of the Minister and made many contributions to policy and operational management concerning the drilling, refining, storage, security, and distribution of Iraqs oil and its infrastructure that altogether were in critical condition. He addressed every flash-point that underlay the long-neglected and continually compromised oil industry. Many different groups relied on Johns advice for developing plans and tracts supporting oil including Washington-based US Government policy advisors who needed situational awareness.

His jousting and jesting with Al Herman, the Senior Advisor for Electricity, was well known to all and I am sure become the foundation of many stores John told state-side. A number of colleagues have kept in touch with John, including Frank Ramaizel, Senior Advisor and Johns good friend and Debby Hoepfer (Head for Finance/Budget) via Facebook along with many others who were very glad that they worked with and came to know John. We all miss John and have many fond memories of him; he made the difficult times much better and represented his country with distinction. May the Lord bless him and keep him.

June Reed
Senior Advisor Private Sector Development, Baghdad, Iraq (2004-2010)

Bjm

June 28, 2018

To the Family: May you find strength to cope with the loss of your dearly loved one from the God of all comfort, who has promised to comfort and strengthen you during this difficult and sadden time of loss . 2 Cor. 1:3, & 4

June 28, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of John. May you have many fond memories that bring you comfort in your time of grief. Romans 15:13.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results