James Thomas Hicks, known to many as “Jimbo,” entered Heaven’s gates on Thursday, July 1, 2021 after a routine, joyful morning knowing many family and friends love him. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Friday, July 9, 2021 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment will follow at Mount Olive Memorial Park. He will lie in state from 8:00am until 9:00pm on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.
He was a unique man, born December 26, 1944 in Big Spring, Texas and from the beginning on his own terms being strong, decisive, and independent. He made his debut in a taxi cab just before arriving at the hospital. Jimbo loved the Lord, his family, was full of life and was also a joyous person.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cleo Winn Jackson (JD Jackson) and father, B.W. Hicks and wife; Aunts and Uncles: Sally Alice Arene Winn Axtens, John Jay Winn (Eunice Winn), R.T. Winn (Woodine Winn), and Buela Hicks; Siblings: Joann Romine (mother of Diantha and Linda Carol), one infant brother-Billy Wayne Hicks, Reba Lee Hicks Fortner, Johnny Lane Hicks (Lydia Hicks); Other close relatives: Ramona Irene Blaine (Joe Gillespie Blaine, Sr), and niece, Debbie Ann Hicks.
He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Ann Hicks-Ramirez Zuniga (Robert) and numerous loved ones: Johnny Hicks (Robin), Ernest Hicks, Robert Hicks, Crystal Hicks-DoPorto (John), Becky Dickson (Perry), George Fortner, Timothy Winn (Beverly), Robert Winn and wife, as well as Mary Axtens Averette (Curtis) and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jimbo served in the U.S. Navy primarily on aircraft carrier flight decks as well several tours on-land during the Vietnam War. He was honored to have helped recover the first Astronauts after their return from the moon on the U.S.S. Kersarge. He also served as a Law Enforcement Officer in numerous sectors: Big Spring V.A. Hospital as a Policeman, Big Spring P.D., and as Chief of Police in Bloomingrove, Texas.
He also served in the private sector at the Big Spring State Hospital, SouthWest College for the Deaf where he loved working with the Deaf community and remained actively employed in various venues until 2020.
He was affectionately known as “Uncle Jimbo” by many of his Explorer Scouts and friends. He was a leader among youth in adventures and outings. As a Disabled Veteran, he also was a member of the Eagles Lodge, previously serving as President. His church home was Crestview Baptist Church. He accomplished a great deal in his lifetime, serving his country, community, family and friends well. His humor, shenanigans, and mischief will be missed as it brought joy to others.
Special thanks to the residents, administration, and staff of the Lamun-Lusk Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home. The family suggests memorials to organizations of your choice supporting youth, military, or law enforcement.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com