John William Bickel II

John William Bickel II John Bickel was released from the grip of Lewy Body Dementia and PSP Parkinsonism, entering God’s kingdom on January 28th. He was 77. John moved through life as a steady optimist and a natural problem-solver. Whether as a cadet, a lawyer, or a community leader, John had a rare gift for seeing possibilities where others saw none. He brought that same attentive heart home: no matter how heavy his workload, John always found ways to make his family feel seen and adored. Entering the United States Military Academy at 17, John formed a brotherhood rooted in deep affection and sharp humor. West Point shaped “Bic” (as he was known to classmates), but it did not stifle his entrepreneurial spirit or his penchant for mischief. Whether selling a unique and daring “Beat Navy” item, orchestrating now-legendary pranks, or quietly helping classmates through personal challenges, Bic consistently showed a brand of initiative and loyalty that has never been forgotten. After graduating from SMU Dedman School of Law in 1976, John carried that same tenacity into the courtroom. In 1984, he co-founded a commercial litigation firm and was the person others turned to when their case seemed unwinnable. Although John was an elite litigator, he was most proud of the work done by his law firm’s foundation. Through the Future Leaders Program John helped establish, over 2,000 DISD students have earned upwards of $20 million in college scholarship offers since 2009. The energy John brought to the courtroom was vibrantly displayed at home in the soundtrack of his family life. His daughters cherish childhood memories of singing “You Are My Sunshine” with him. They loved being backup whenever John sang “Mustang Sally,” a wedding tradition that inevitably packed the dance floor. John and his beloved Tamara saw live music on their first date in 2001. Music was a deeply shared connection they held for the next 24 years. John instilled that joy in their sons over endless miles, sharing his favorites from Metallica to Tom Petty. Like the Apostle Paul, who remained faithful despite great suffering, John was cheerful and positive through the many trials of his seven year illness. He lived with an unshakeable conviction in his faith, often reminding us that life on earth is "just the prelims.” John was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia Chesshire Bickel and John William Bickel. He will be forever missed by Tamara, his wife of 23 years, and their sons, Jack and Ollie; by his daughters, Hannah Ferguson (Searcy), Molly Rhodes (Thomas), Sarah Minton (Jake) and by his grandchildren Ella, Searcy Mae, Jackson, Tucker, Jonathan, Poppy and Lincoln. John is lovingly remembered by his sister, Illa Conklin (Mike) and his brother, Perry Bickel (Sarah Barlow.) A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cure PSP (www.curepsp.org) The family is especially grateful to the staff of Avalon Memory Care and Harris Hospice, who cared for John with exceptional love, attentiveness, and compassion.

John William Bickel II

September 9, 1948 - January 28, 2026