Jack William Dickens entered the world December 20, 1945: a barely post-war Colorado kid. His Mom and Dad – Jack and Lucille - plus sister Lynn Marie, were all ensconced on a busy family Hereford and sheep ranch in Walden, Colorado with little time for anything but work.
Jack realized at an early age this was NOT to be his chosen life.
He taught himself to read at age four and focused on the printed word wherever he was.
That realm suddenly blossomed when the local Walden barber had a corner table of comic books and he was smitten.
School was a bit boring for Jack and that gave rise to mischievous behavior. As a result, he was enrolled in Culver Military Academy where his grandfather, J.H. Dickens, was a graduate. Four and a half years later, Jack graduated in the Spring 1964.
That fall, Jack enrolled at the University of Colorado. Later he joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Lakenheath, England as a data processor.
After he returned to the US, he headed straight for sunny southern California to pursue his passion for comic art which at that time was prolific. He purchased the Comic Kingdom and Graphic Fantasy store in San Diego. He rode that realm for many years with a huge number of artists that he promoted to prominence. The yearly Comic Con (Convention) was also one of the great joys of his life.
He was a voracious reader and early on absorbed the world of Jack Kerouac, On the Road and the Beats.
He closed his longtime business and returned to Colorado where he became an independent comic and memorabilia merchant. His private collection was sizable.
He and his father were big sports enthusiasts. After his mother’s death, they traveled together and were aficionados of fine food.
He was a regular at the Longmont Recreation Center, where swimming was his main activity.
The Pacific Auction and other sales venues satisfied his ongoing quest for the next “Big Find” in collectables. He enjoyed that pursuit along with many others in that world.
JWD, Jr remained true to his “nature” as he never passed up a chance for vigorous debate and he was a constant editorialist. These were all in the exercise to challenge his creative side. He had a consummate ability to recall names and circumstances of by-gone years.
Jack is survived by sister Lynn Marie Trumble, niece Dana Carey (Peter) and grandniece Lane, niece Brooke Dunaway (Lance), and nephew Cade Courtley.
An open graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, 620 11th Avenue in Longmont, Colorado on Friday, July 29 from 11:00 – 12:00.
