John Frederick Vickrey, Jr. died Jan. 20, 2026, at his home in West Bethlehem, after a long illness, at age 101. Born in Chicago, he was the son of the late John Sr., and Ethyl Goodenow Vickrey. In 1966 he married Caroline Millicent Rider.

He grew up in Riverside, Ill., and his original ambition was to be a naval architect. He spent some time at an engineering college but was drafted into the army and served as a mortar gunner during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. His education was resumed mainly at the University of Chicago, where he earned several degrees in English Language and Literature. Until his retirement at age 72, he taught English at Lehigh University, specializing in the early stages of the English language, spoken during Anglo Saxon times. After retiring, he wrote two scholarly books on Anglo-Saxon literature.

On the occasion of his 100th birthday, Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds declared it “Jack Vickrey Day.” Jack credited his long life to his habit of walking daily, uphill and down, to his job.

He was a longtime active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Bethlehem, and played several 16th-century style musical instruments.

He was predeceased by sister Barbara Vickrey Staff, stepmother Carolyn Enloe Vickrey and stepsisters Carolyn Enloe and Joanne Enloe Drake.

He is survived by his wife and by nieces Rosemary Staff, Roxanne Staff and Roberta Staff Ramirez; cousin Linda Brown Bjella; and younger-generation nephews, nieces and cousins.

Contributions may be made to Lehigh University, 306 S. New St., Suite 500, Bethlehem, PA 18015-1652 or to Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18018.

Arrangements were made by James Funeral Home.