John W. Bickerton

passed away peacefully on July 12th at Island Health and Rehabilitation Center on Bainbridge Island after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was 83 years old. John (aka Jug) was born April 13th, 1929 in Youngstown, Ohio to John W. and Alma H. Bickerton. The family moved to Port Orchard in 1945 where John graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1947.He started work at The Boeing Company, then was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War. When he returned from overseas he resumed work at Boeing, first as a riveter at the Renton Plant, later working as a Motive Equipment Operator at Boeing Field. He retired in 1989 after 40 years of employment. He married Bainbridge native Joan Irma Komedal on July 3rd, 1957 and thereafter adopted Bainbridge Island and Joan's extended Henderson / Komedal family as his own. He was a member of the Seabold Community Club and the United Methodist Church at Seabold. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren as well as following the Mariners and other local sports teams. His great passion was his vintage car and all the cars he had owned. He particularly enjoyed participating in the Bainbridge 4th of July Car Show, other gatherings of vintage car enthusiasts and old car swap meets.He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, George. He is survived by Joan, his wife of 55 years; daughter Connie; grandson Travis Rick; son Ralph, daughter-in-law Angie, grandchildren, Elisabeth and John; and Cousin, Ellen Simon of Oronoco, Minnesota.The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff at Island Health and Rehab for their care and caring for the last 1 ½ years, and to Hospice of Kitsap County for their support. Remembrances can be made to Bainbridge Island Fire Department, Hospice of Kitsap County or a charity of your choice. Please sign the online Guest Book Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Service on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 1:00 PM at Seabold Methodist Church on Bainbridge Island. Private inurnment will take place at Seabold Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bainbridge Island Fire Department.