6/9/2013
On June 9, 2013, John Bailey Dickinson III (known as Jack) took the hands of the angels and was escorted into the streets of H e a v e n . Having been a Jack of all trades, he was sure to arrive with a pencil in his shirt pocket, a tape measure in his pants, and he would be ready to help where needed. Yes, that was Jack, always lending a hand, and usually being a wise guy while he did it. With his straight face and dry sense of humor, people were never quite sure if he was kidding. But, he ALWAYS was. He entered this life on January 17, 1949, in Philadelphia, PA, born to the family of John and Dorothy (Wolfinger) Dickinson. He had one older sister, Dottie, and one younger brother, Mark. In later years, Jack was thrilled to have frequent visits from Dottie and her children. He was a Veteran of the Viet Nam war. John had several occupations, including semi truck delivery driver for Missa Bay, his home painting and wallpaper business, cabinetmaker for Rutt kitchen cabinets, bookstore owner with his wife of Legacy Used Books & Collectibles in New Holland, and maintenance engineer for Garden Spot Village Retirement Homes in New Holland. He married in his early twenties to Joyce Roskow and helped her raise her son, David. Although they were only married a few years, they remained friends for life. Jack spent many years as a bachelor, then met Jann Billings in 1999. They married in 2000 and were still newlyweds thirteen years later at his death. He was delighted to be part of the lives of her three daughters and numerous grandchildren, one who was born just March first of this year. It was clear that he would have made a great dad. Instead he doted on many furry creatures during his lifetime. His dog, Bandit, his two cats, Tabby and Mommie, will miss him greatly. Jack and Jann enjoyed the simple things. Remodeling an old country home; watching the birds and other of God’s animals who surrounded them. Friends will remember that they always stopped for a kiss under the old covered bridge by their home. Love was still very much alive for the Dickinsons. Besides having his soul mate, Jann, he was fortunate to have an incredible church family and many close friends who were so faithful during his final journey. The family also wants to express their profound gratitude to the Veteran’s Administration in Lebanon, PA and to the Compassionate Care Hospice Team. His life will be celebrated and then delivered to God at Evangelical United Methodist Church, 276 W. Main Street, New Holland, PA 17557, on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at noon with Pastor Ray Voran officiating. Viewing: One hour before the service. Burial will be in Zeltenreich U.C.C. Cemetery. FurmanFuneralHome.com