John M. Pricket

April 11, 1949 – August 30, 2024

John M. Prickett of Springfield, IL, passed away August 30th, 2024. He was being visited and comforted by family members at The Grove Health and Rehab Center in Jacksonville, IL, at the time of his passing. He fought a lengthy and courageous battle against cancer during the past 3 years.

John was born on April 11th, 1949, in Canton, IL. He was the first son of John & Margaret Howell Prickett. He grew up in Jacksonville, IL, Covington, KY and Grand Rapids, MI. He graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. He married Ann Shober in 1970, and they had a son, Matthew. John later married Deborah Welch in 1985.

John served in the Army National Guard for 36 years. He enlisted in the Arizona Army National Guard in 1971 as a Private. He retired from the Illinois Army National Guard in 2007 with the rank of Colonel. As a full-time soldier, he served in various positions at units in Sullivan, Bloomington, Decatur, and the State Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois.

He commanded Co. B 747th Maintenance Battalion, Champaign, IL, Co. B 1/123 Infantry Battalion, Delavan, IL, and Headquarters 1/123 Infantry Battalion, Bloomington, IL. Among his duty assignments were Alaska, Poland, Germany and Egypt, along with numerous assignments throughout the U.S. He commanded the 244th Army Liaison Team in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

John graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and also the U.S. Army War College, where he achieved a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies.

He was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Illinois Medal for Merit, Illinois Distinguished Service Medal and numerous other state & federal recognitions throughout his military career.

John was an Infantry soldier through & through. He influenced many young soldiers and was highly regarded by his fellow officers. He was loved by his family & friends. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his son Matthew Prickett of Louisville, KY; his brother Scott Prickett (Paul Baker) of Walnut Creek, CA; his sister Jane (Sonny) Babineaux of Tucson, AZ; and Deborah Prickett of Las Cruces, NM. He is also survived by his close cousins, Barb and Jack Baily of Macomb, IL. John was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial graveside service with military honors will take place at 1:00 pm Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, IL 62704. Memorial contributions may be made to: Illinois National Guard and Historical Society, 1301 North MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62702. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.