James Todd Wickard

James Todd Wickard, affectionately known as “Todd” and famously nicknamed “B.B.T.” (Basketball Todd) by his friends, passed away peacefully at home in Fort Pierce, Florida, on February 17, 2026, after complications from congestive heart failure. He was 57 years old.

Born on April 29, 1968, in Cumberland, Maryland, Todd spent his early childhood in London, England, after his family relocated there. As a toddler, he attended The Vale School in Chelsea and, at the age of four, developed a passion for horses. He learned to ride at Lilo Blum Stables at Hyde Park Corner and received further training at The Fulmer International School of Equitation, where he became proficient in show jumping.

Upon returning to the United States, the family settled at Vale Chase Farm in New London, Pennsylvania. Todd continued competing in horse jumping events throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland with his beloved horse, Pixie Dust.

Todd attended The Tatnall School in Wilmington, Delaware, where he played on the JV football team. He later transferred to Avon Grove High School in New London, Pennsylvania, for his junior and senior years, joining the soccer team. His true love, however, was basketball—a sport he played recreationally well into his 30s, earning him the enduring moniker “Basketball Todd” among friends.

He graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in History and was a proud member of the Alpha class of Sigma Chi Lambda in 1986.

After college, Todd moved to Fort Pierce, Florida, where he joined his father, Charles, in the family business, Treasure Coast Real Estate. This experience sparked his interest in construction, leading to a long career as a Project Manager with Itasca Construction Company in Boca Raton. In that role, he oversaw the building of shopping centers and office buildings, bringing his attention to detail and steady work ethic to numerous projects.

On June 3, 2017, Todd married the love of his life, Kyla Whelchel, in Fort Pierce, Florida. Their marriage brought him deep joy and companionship.

Todd was preceded in death by his father, Charles Elliott Wickard.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kyla Wickard; his mother, Mary Elizabeth Wickard “Betsy”; his twin brother, Troy Wickard, and sister-in-law, Tammy Wickard; and his nephews, Christian Wickard and Brett Michael Jacquin (and Ava Reverendo). Todd was a fun-loving, bright, and kind-hearted man with a great sense of humor and a genuine warmth that touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, lifelong friends, and all who had the pleasure of sharing in his infectious enthusiasm for life, sports, and the simple joys of everyday moments.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dogs and Cats Forever, a no-kill animal sanctuary and shelter on the Treasure Coast (located in Fort Pierce, Florida), dedicated to rescuing and rehoming homeless dogs and cats. Donations can be made at dogsandcatsforever.com or by mail to their facility.

A celebration of Todd’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared by the family.

A gathering is being planned for Saturday, March 7th beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Haisley Funeral, 3015 Okeechobee Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34947. Friends and family are invited to share their personal stories of Todd.