Jackie Lynn Rickman

Jackie Lynn Rickman, 67, United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, retired, and currently senior pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Escondido, California, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at home with his wife by his side.

He was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in late August; he entered into hospice care October 21.

A native of Hamblen County, Jack grew up in the Long Creek community of Spencer Hale Road, raised by his maternal grandparents. He was a 1974 graduate of Morristown-Hamblen High School East, and nominated for acceptance into the United States Naval Academy by several local business leaders. After his academy graduation in 1979, Jack entered into the USMC at the rank of 2nd lieutenant.

Jack married the former Patricia Cannon, also a Hamblen County native, shortly after graduation. They celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on June 9th. In their many military-mandated moves around the country and the world, they were joined by a daughter and a son.

Continuing his education during his Marine career, he earned a Masters Degree at Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California..

Seeking to delve deeper into his faith, instilled in his youth, Jack graduated from Gateway Seminary (formerly Golden Gate Seminary) with a Master of Divinity in 2007.

Upon retirement from the USMC following a 22-year commitment, Jack immersed himself into a new role, a calling long felt: pastor of Broadway Baptist Church, a position he held for 24 years until his passing. His ministry bloomed far beyond the pulpit, extending to community projects, close relationships with his congregation, and even sharing the bounty from his backyard garden of fresh vegetables to community food pantries, as well as neighbors and friends. If he could do a thing, any thing, to help a person in need, Jack did everything in his power to get it done.

He read the Bible, knew the Bible, and most importantly, lived the Bible.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Rebecca Gene Fine Hickey and Robert C. “Bud” Rickman; his mother-and father-in-law, Jean and T.D. Cannon; mother-in-law, Wanda Cannon; his maternal grandparents, Frances and Elmer Fine; and sisters, Barbara Fletcher and Donna Coldiron.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Pat; his daughter, Elizabeth Rickman of Point Reyes, California; his son, Scott Rickman, of Boise, Idaho.; extended family in Tennessee with whom he and Pat visited as often as possible; his church family who visited and prayed for their pastor and friend; and a host of life-long friends, many who traveled to fellowship, reminisce and lend a hand with Jack and Pat during the past weeks.

Celebration of Life service is Saturday, December 9 at 11 am at Bethel Baptist Church, 855 Brotherton Road, Escondido, CA. Interment is at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA on Friday, December 15 at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alternatives Medical Clinic, 257 E. 2nd Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tridentsociety.com/location/san-diego-ca for the Rickman family.