John Wicker
1954 - 2023
John Wicker
1954 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
John Wicker Obituary
August 20, 1954 - July 26, 2023
Miami, Florida - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Wicker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated music educator. John peacefully left this world on July 26th, with his family by his side.
John is survived by his mother Jane, his devoted wife of 49 years, Kim, their two children, Jesse and Chelsea, and his three cherished grandchildren, Hailey, Jordyn & Cyrus. John's lifelong passion for music was evident from an early age. He began playing the piano at the tender age of 4, followed by the trumpet at 10, and the guitar at 12. However, it was the trumpet that captured his heart and drove his musical journey.
Graduating Cum Laude from the University of Miami with a degree in Music Education, John's dedication to his craft was unwavering. He honed his skills under the tutelage of accomplished mentors, including Colonel Gilbert Mitchell of the United States Army band in Washington, DC, and later, Gilbert Johnson, principal trumpet with the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra under the esteemed conductors Eugene Ormandy and Harry Glantz.
John's passion for music education spanned over 45 years, leaving an indelible mark on countless students. He shared his expertise at several institutions, including St. Rose of Lima, Archbishop Curley, and, most significantly, Miami Country Day School, where he dedicated the majority of his career until his well-deserved retirement.
Beyond the classroom, he found solace in reading historical novels, reveled in the tranquility of fishing, and embarked on journeys to Santa Fe, New Orleans, and Vero Beach, savoring the rich tapestry of culture and scenery. John was also an animal lover, having enjoyed many golden retrievers and dozens of rescued cats. Most importantly, he cherished every moment spent with his adored grandchildren and family, leaving them with a lasting legacy of love and music.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in John's memory to support the arts program at Miami Country Day School. Contributions can be made online at MiamiCountryDay.org/supports/give-now or by mail to:
John Wicker Memorial
Miami Country Day School
601 NE 107th St.
Miami, FL 33161
John Wicker's life was a symphony of passion, dedication, and love, and his memory will forever resonate through the music he shared and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jacob Hare
May 9, 2025
I had the great honor of being Mr. Wicker's student for a few years in Orchestra and one semester of Guitar. Music was more of a hobby, but Mr. Wicker would always encourage me and push me to do more. He was always kind and made me feel welcome, even if I wasn't as passionate about music than other students. That's what made him stand out to me, he'd treat everyone with kindness. I hadn't got to see him after he retired, but I never forgot the classes I had with him and the wonderful conversations we shared. I miss Mr. Wicker so much and I thank him for all that he's done.
Jenna
September 28, 2024
John Wicker changed my life. He saved me when he overlooked his entire orchestra class to teach me the left handed tuba. He saved me in more ways than a person is allowed. I love him and his family as they are mine.
Vince Welsh
August 20, 2024
Mr. Wicker was a great, great teacher and an incredible musician - I can't overstate how influential his classes were and how much they have stuck with me over the past almost 50 years. I still play the lick to "Sing Alleluiah"! What he taught me will be with me for the rest of my life. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Ginny Bolling
October 1, 2023
John was a dear friend to my former husband and I and I am grateful to have known him. His talent and dedication were phenomenal. I cannot say his name however, without that of his loving wife Kim. They both were selected as God parents to both our kids for good reason: authenticity, in a word. The other major concept they represented to me throughout the 34 years I have known them is 'family'. The Bollings love the Wicker family and we know John's presence will be sorely missed by many, many people. Kim, Jesse and Chelsea most especially, we send love, care, and best wishes to find peace. Love you all! Ginny
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Jean Spinney
September 25, 2023
John was a wonderful teacher and a lifelong friend. I cherish everything I learned from him and his wonderful open heart, he gave all to his students and friends and family.
Mary and Tom Arnold, and Jennifer Arnold Muhlig and family
September 15, 2023
John Wicket was like part of the family, especially Jennifer Arnold Muhlig´s family. John was a true mentor to our daughter, Jennifer in ways that went far beyond music. He was like Jennifer´s second dad. She probably spent more time working with John than being with her own dad! John had a special way about helping struggling young and old musicians feel good about their instrument choice and their dedication to playing that instrument. He even let old ladies like me sing with the Barry University Choir on Sundays and holidays! Between John and Terry, they both fostered a love of music in our our grandsons. Liam and Broghan. Then there was Jennifer´s wedding to another teacher from MCDS, Rick Muhlig. He was John´s friend too. Because the other musicians were under the care of the more than capable hands of John, there were no worries. We knew the music would be great, and it was indeed great! There are so many stories we could share about John. There were happy, funny stories, and there were a few that brought tears to our eyes. The most important story I think is of Kim and John. They made a marriage work the way a marriage should work. They were good together, and I like to imagine they became even better as years passed by. So john I can´t imagine you aren´t in heaven without leading the music section of the angel choir. You know, you kind of gave of yourself so much to those who loved you, yet you took nothing for yourself. What a great example of a human being you always were. So you should have a pretty good seat up there amongst those other musicians!
John. You will be terribly missed by so many people, especially your devoted, wife Kim, and your children and grandchildren. We hope that many of us will be there for them, like you were for so many others over the years. As I close with this "love letter" to you, we have been privileged to know you as friend, teacher,
mentor, musician, and one of the greatest human beings we have ever know . As I end my letter, I pray that you are happy, free of pain, blessed with heavenly music and actually in the presence of Our Lord God and Savior. Rest in the peace and in the love of the Lord. Amen
God bless Kim, your children, and your grandchildren!
Mary and Tom Arnold
Jennifer, Rick, Liam. And Broghan
Doug Yoder
September 9, 2023
John provided music at our wedding, 41+ years ago. We offer our condolences to the entire Wicker family. Margaret and Doug Yoder
Lynn Wolff
September 7, 2023
I have know Kim and John since 1983 when Jesse and Ali went to Kindergarten at sunset elementary, where Chelsea and Brettlynn became fast friends. My kids absolutely adored John. And Kim and I saw each other
Almost Daily for years.
John was so talented and as the head of the music program at MCD he instilled the gift of music in all of his students, year after year. John became like a member of all of their families.
I remember many long talks and tons of laughs with John and will always keep him in my heart.
Denise Ede Aloise and Christopher Aloise
September 7, 2023
We are shocked and saddened by the loss of the beloved Mr. Wicker. He was a treasure to Miami Country Day and Miami Shores. He inspired my son and encouraged his love of music, allowing him to play, trumpet, French horn, and drums. He is loved and missed. So grateful for Mr. Wicker's gift to all who were privileged to participate in his classes and performances. May peace be with his family and may his memory be eternal. In deepest sympathy.
Uncle Ted Wienski
September 7, 2023
Rest in Peace my dear Nephew, Uncle Ted
Ron Thompson
September 5, 2023
You made memories that I so appreciate. Thank you for all you did during my time at ACND. You made high school enjoyable!!!
George Dosal
September 5, 2023
George Dosal
September 5, 2023
Cecile Fanfani
September 5, 2023
So many wonderful memories shared on your front porch and John just always looking at me not sure what planet i was from!! But i sure could always put a smile on his face! His love for his dogs and cats and all of his family will always be remembered! Kim, Jesse, Chelsea thanks for so many wonderful years. I´m so sorry for your loss. May he rest in forever peace.
Lisa Shipp
September 4, 2023
I have endless amazing memories of your father. He was literally my second dad growing up. Mostly, I remember always sitting on your porch with him (always a cat in his lap and a dog at his feet) as he rocked and we talked about so many random topics. He always had the most calm voice and I always felt at home. I am so blessed to have known him. I love you all and my prayers are with you during this difficult time.
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