John Benjamin "J.B." Vickers

J.B. Vickers, 77, of Independence, MO passed away September 2, 2019. Visitation will be 9-10:30 am Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 am at the chapel. J.B. will be laid to rest in the Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, MO. J.B. (John Benjamin) Vickers was born at home to Ralph D. and Ella Mitchell Vickers on October 28, 1941, in Deepwater, Missouri. After a courageous battle, he passed peacefully on September 2, 2019, in the presence of family at his Independence home. The youngest of 7 children, J.B. was an
attentive son and brother. He excelled at basketball at Deepwater High School, where he played center for the Demons. J.B. met the love of his life and future wife, Delores Ann Horn, while in 8th grade. They remained devoted to each other through 55 years of marriage. Upon graduating from
Deepwater High School in 1959, J.B. received a full-ride scholarship to play basketball at Southeastern Louisiana State University in Hammond, Louisiana. In 1963 he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Business Administration. J.B. and Delores were blessed with 3 wonderful children and 10 grandchildren. After graduating from SLSU, J.B. worked for the Missouri State Highway Department, District 4, from 1963-1972, where he ultimately served as Chief Negotiator responsible for acquiring the right of way necessary for a broad range of highway construction projects. J.B. worked for Independence firm Russell & Associates from 1972-1983 as a Real Estate Appraiser and Realtor. In 1984, J.B. began work for Sprint Nextel Corporation in Overland Park, Kansas. At Sprint, J.B. applied his expert negotiating and appraisal skills as a Manager of Tax. He contributed to analyzing and aligning business plans,
mergers and acquisitions, and accounting strategies. He loved negotiating, his work, and the many professional relationships he developed. In retirement, J.B. owned and operated the J.B. Vickers Company. He held a number of professional licenses: Real Estate Broker in Missouri and Kansas, Missouri State Certified
General Real Estate Appraiser, Producer License - Missouri Department of Insurance, and General Property Appraiser - Kansas. J.B. also enjoyed participation in a number of professional and religious organizations: International Association of Assessing Officers, KCRAR, Missouri Association of
Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Christian Businessmen’s Connection, and Gideons International. He and Delores were members at Maywood Baptist Church in Independence. J.B. was also devoted to sharing his Christian faith. He and Delores participated in “Five Day Clubs” after school
programs at Fairmount Elementary School for several years, ministering to countless children. J.B. poured his life and love into his children and grandchildren. J.B. is survived by his wife, Delores Vickers, and 3 children: John Vickers and wife Stephanie of
Independence; Susan VanGulick and husband Dale of Bailey, Colorado; and David Vickers and wife Jean Ann of Leawood, Kansas. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Sophia, Isaac, Lydia and Samuel Vickers of Independence, MO; Matt VanGulick and partner Calieb Produit of Salt Lake City, UT; Steven VanGulick of Menomonie, Wisconsin; U.S. Army Sergeant Jeff VanGulick and wife Dominique of Colorado Springs, CO; U.S. Air Force Special Agent Emma Vickers of Boston, MA; and Charlotte Vickers of Leawood, KS. Also surviving is his sister, Lois Vickers, of Independence, MO, and brother Paul Vickers of Springfield, MO, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. J.B. was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Ella
Vickers, brothers Robert Lee and Ralph W. Vickers, sisters Helen Adcock and Lillian Martin, and his beloved grandson, Harry VanGulick .In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Child Evangelism Fellowship of the Greater Kansas City Area or Maywood Baptist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com
(Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)