Roll Call Tribute

Jack Robert Fickessen 

May 12, 1944 - May 22, 2024 

Jack Robert Fickessen, 80, peacefully passed away on May 22, 2024. Jack, or J’Pa to his grandchildren, lived a full life, took incredible care of his family, could make anyone laugh with his wit and was an accomplished story teller! He will be missed by all who know and love him.

Jack was born on May 12, 1944 to Colonel (Ret) Jack Walton and Dorothy Fickessen in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Growing up as an army brat, Jack lived in eight places worldwide before completing high school in Pasadena, California where he was an outstanding athlete and football player. He followed in his father’s footsteps and attended Texas A&M University where he graduated with a degree in Finance and was a member of the Corps Staff in the Class of 1966. Upon graduation, he immediately departed for advanced military training and then served two tours in the Vietnam War. As a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he was awarded ten medals including three Bronze Stars, one with the V device, two Air Medals, and two Army Commendation Medals.

Upon Jack’s return to the United States, he settled in Austin, Texas where he met Debbie Schroeder Cowan when both were employed at the Texas Water Development Board. They were married in May of 1983 and just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. Jack became an instant stepfather to Jami Lynn Cowan and a father in 1986 to their son, Chase Walton Fickessen. The family moved to what was then a very small suburb, Lakeway, where Jack became an involved member of the community. He was a supporter of all things his children were involved in, proudly served on the Lake Travis School Board and became one of the greatest fans of Lake Travis football there has ever been!

Jack’s career was focused on natural resources on both the state and federal level. He became an independent lobbyist in 1992. Jack and Debbie both worked inside the walls of the state capitol for almost 25 years. During this time, they made many memories and so many great friends. They spent fall football seasons tailgating and traveling to Longhorn games all over the nation, and yes, you could even catch Jack in a burnt orange shirt at times (as long as they were not playing the Aggies)! Fantasy football became one of Jack’s favorite pastimes and they played in the same league with capitol friends for almost 20 years!

Jack loved lake life and sharing it with his family. They spent decades of weekends and summers boating on Lake Austin and then Lake Travis and finally Lake LBJ when he and Debbie retired to Horseshoe Bay in 2014. He was also a lover of travel! As their own personal travel agent, Jack planned trips that he and Debbie enjoyed to all parts of the world, but was always glad to return home to his chocolate labs.

Jack is survived by his wife, Debbie; his daughter, Jami Cowan Robinson and husband, Grant, and grandchildren, Stella, Amelia and Rhett; his son, Chase Walton Fickessen and wife, Jordan, and grandchildren, Wyatt and Brinley; his sister, Jan Staats and husband, Jerry; niece Sarah Staats, nephew Taylor (Alix) Staats; brother in law, Al Schroeder; and special friend of the family, Ron E. Lewis. Jack’s family is immensely grateful to the staff of The Auberge Bee Cave and Sonder Hospice for the loving care he has received over the last year.

Per his wishes, Jack’s family will have a private celebration of his life. For those who desire, memorial contributions can be made to Sonder Hospice 223 W. Anderson Lane, B700, Austin, Texas 78752 or Living Grace Canine Ranch at livinggracecanineranch.org.