John Stephen Pickle

John Stephen Pickle, 61. Preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Pickle and Florence Elizabeth Pickle. Survivors include: his wife, Paula Pickle; his Children Jeremy Christian Pickle and wife Michelle Pickle (Johnson City, TN), Serena Ann Pickle (Asheville, NC), Angela Coxey and husband Brett Coxey (Denver, CO; his brother, Raymond Vincent Pickle and wife Vanessa Pickle (Sulphur Springs, TN); his sister Joanne Gregory (Johnson City, TN); four grandchildren: Dominic Christian Pickle, Jonathan Harold Pickle, Caitlynn Jaree Pickle (Johnson City, TN) and Alexandria Coxey (Canada); plus numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and many friends. John Pickle was a graduate of Jonesborough High School and East Tennessee State University where he earned a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Environmental Health. He had recently retired after serving as the Director of Public Health for the Broomfield Health and Human Services Department in Broomfield, Colorado. Prior to that he served as the Public Health Director of the Weld County Health Department in Greeley, Colorado, Director of Public Health in Tri-Quadri- County Health Department in Southeast Illinois, and Environmental Health Specialist in Titusville, Florida. He served two terms as President of the Public Health Directors of Colorado and was a treasured Board member of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. John served on the Colorado Hazardous Waste Commission and was a member of the Governing Board of The Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership. He received an award from the Colorado Public Health Association for Legislative Excellence, and the Milton Miller Award in recognition of his contributions and devoted years of distinguished service in advancing The Environmental Health Profession. John was an avid supporter of his staff and devoted time to mentoring and providing training opportunities to help them succeed and to advance their careers. His commitment to public health will live on through the lives of all those he touched in his distinguished career. John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping, mountain climbing, skiing, golf and any other activity that brought him into nature. He loved to share these activities and skills with anyone he could talk into joining him. All who did shared many a humorous adventure. He was a loving husband, devoted father, doting 'bapa'?, extraordinary brother and great friend. He had a generous and caring heart, an adventurous spirit, and a strong faith. He will be missed for many reasons, including his hearty laughter, his leadership, gentle guidance, his 'can do'? attitude, his outgoing and friendly nature, as well as the many ways he reached out and offered help to others. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity in Johns honor. Family charities include: The Adoption Exchange www.adoptex.org, Carolina Christian School, www.carolinachristianschool.org and the Johnson City Boys and Girls Club. A funeral service for John will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, September 24, 2009 at St. Marys Catholic Church, Johnson City, TN. The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 pm Wednesday at the funeral home followed by a Rosary Service. A private graveside service will be held at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Chris Ford, Jeremy Pickle, Brett Coxey, Bryan Tolley, Mark Campbell and Dominic Pickle. Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond Butch Pickle, Mark Dik and Jim Dik. Family and friends.