John Frederick Vickrey Jr.

John Frederick Vickrey, Jr., was born August 24, 1924, in Chicago and died January 20, 2026, at his home in West Bethlehem, after a long illness, at age 101.

Jack, as he was known, was the son of the late John, Sr., and Ethyl Goodenow Vickrey. In 1966 he married Caroline Millicent Rider. He was pre-deceased by sister Barbara Vickrey Staff, stepmother Carolyn Enloe Vickrey, and stepsisters Carolyn Enloe and Joanne Enloe Drake. He is survived by his wife and by nieces Rosemary Staff, Roxanne Staff, and Roberta Staff Ramirez, cousin Linda Brown Bjella, and younger-generation nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Jack grew up in Riverside, Illinois. His original ambition was to be a naval architect, so, after high school, he spent some time at an engineering college. Then he was drafted into the army and was a mortar gunner during World War II's long Battle of the Bulge in Europe. His education was resumed mainly at the University of Chicago, where he earned several degrees in English Language and Literature. Then, until his retirement at age 72, he taught English at Lehigh University, specializing in the early stages of the English language, spoken during Anglo Saxon times. After retiring, Jack authored two scholarly books on Anglo-Saxon literature.

On the occasion of Jack's 100th birthday, Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds declared it "Jack Vickrey Day." Jack credited his long life to his habit of walking daily, uphill and down, to his job. Jack was a long-time active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Bethlehem, singing in the choir and reading for special programs, as needed. He played several 16th-century style musical instruments and enjoyed playing "early" music at home with small groups of fellow amateurs.

Services at Trinity Episcopal Church, Bethlehem, will be arranged for a date in the spring. Arrangements are being handled by the James Funeral Home, Bethlehem,

Contributions: Memorial contributions in memory of John F. Vickrey, Jr., may be made to Lehigh University, 306 S. New St., Suite 500, Bethlehem, PA 18015-1652 or to Trinity Episcopal Church,44 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.