Jack Rickard Jr.

Marion Jack Rickard Jr. of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was 65 years old.

Jack was the oldest of five children of Marion and Ben Emerson Rickard Sr.

He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau in 1973. Following his graduation, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Midway as an aviation support equipment technician. Following a distinguished tour in the Navy, Jack enjoyed a career as a technical writer in the defense industry.

Jack was a Mensa member and an early adopter of new technologies. His keen intelligence helped him to see the value of the internet as early as the 1980s. He started Boardwatch, a high-tech bulletin board company. Supported by a strong team, Jack developed Boardwatch into a successful magazine, which he sold in 1998.

Following his initial professional success, Jack proudly returned to his hometown of Cape Girardeau. While in Cape Girardeau, Jack continued to pursue his interest in innovative technologies, including aviation and electric cars. In 2008, Jack established EVTV, an internet-based platform that taught individuals methods to convert gasoline-powered vehicles into electric-drive vehicles. As electric cars became popular, Jack expanded EVTV to focus on solar power storage.

Jack was an active supporter of the community and was dedicated to preserving the historic Cape Girardeau waterfront district. He was an active parishioner of St. Mary's Cathedral, where he sang in the choir.

He is survived by his four children and their families, whom he loved deeply, his siblings, numerous extended family members and friends and his loving wife, Jill. Jack often said, "Every Jack needs a Jill."

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with parish prayers at 7 p.m., Wednesday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.