James Dean Rickman

Rickman, James D. “Dean”, 95, of Wichita passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012 peacefully with family by his side. Dean was born in Newton KS to Nettie Dean Rickman of Las Animas CO and businessman Jackson Whitfield (JW) Rickman of Mayfield KY. Dean was raised with his brother Jack on N Clifton Street in Wichita where he attended College Hill grade school and East High School. Dean had wonderful memories of summers working and playing at the Dean family ranch and farm in Los Animas Co with his brother Jack, and cousins Edward, Robert, Gene, Nancy, and Marcella. Dean and his brother Jack attended Kemper Military Academy Junior College in Booneville MO, where Dean was honored as an outstanding track star and athlete. Dean earned a track scholarship to the University of Southern California, competing in dashes, low hurdles and the broad jump against the best athletes of his time. He finished 4th in the 1941 NCAA finals 100 yard dash at Stanford. Deans college years included an active social life and membership in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. WWII interrupted Deans college and track career. He enlisted in the Army Air Force and, benefiting from his military school background, quickly rose to the rank of Lieutenant. The Army trained Dean in photography at Hall Roch Studios in Culver City CA and at Yale University in Connecticut. He organized and trained a Photographic Section in the 6th Army Air Force Motion Picture Unit. He took his Section to Tory Majorie Italy, where they processed aerial photographs, and produced important combat films including “Big Fence”. Dean personally photographed the colossal Bari Italy ammunition ship explosions while they were taking place, running toward the ships while others fled. Dean left the Army as a Captain following WWII and returned to Wichita to start a family and begin a business career. Deans father was a principal member of JC Penneys founding management team, created the Blue Moon Nightclub, and grew the Rickman Bottling Co. Budweiser and soft drink franchises. Dean continued this legacy and worked with his father and brother to found Freightways truck line to serve the needs of a growing city. During his twenty years as president, Dean represented independent truckers in negotiations with Teamsters Union President Jimmy Hoffa, advised General Mills, Firestone and other corporate managers on trucking issues, and expanded operations throughout the Midwest. Dean was an active member of the Wichita Country Club for many years and had fond memories of his many friends at the Club, and in the “Saturday Night “social group and the Bulls and Bears Investment Club. Dean also enjoyed membership in the Pauma Valley CA Country Club and the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs. Dean was a skilled golfer and participated in many local tournaments and travel outings. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter who traveled with friends and family in search of pheasant and big trout. His children treasure memories of bass fishing and quail hunting with him in overnight stays on local Kansas farms. Dean was a member of the Wichita State University Finance Committee and was honored by the Universitys Fairmont Society for his contributions to scholarship funds established in the name of his son and parents. Dean is predeceased by his brother, Jackson (Jack), parents, Nettie and JW, his son Charles Edward Rickman, and his beloved wife, Mary Brown Rickman. Dean is survived by sons, Whit Rickman and his wife Kimberly (Kim) of Wichita, and James “Jim” Dean Rickman JR and his wife Diana of Westerville OH; daughter, Patricia (Patti) Deane Rickman of Independence VA; grandsons, Marlin Dean Alessandra of Independence VA, James Dean Rickman III of Nashville TN, and Scott Joseph Rickman of Greenwich CT; granddaughter, Jane Marie Rickman of Wichita; and great-grandson Andrew Reece Rickman of Beverly MA. Services for Dean will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at Downing Lahey Mortuary East Chapel, Wichita. Memorial donations may be made to: Wichita State University Foundation, c/o Rickman Scholarship Fund, 1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002. A graveside service and gathering will follow. Visitation at Downing Lahey Mortuary 6-8 PM Tuesday evening.