James Hicks' Obituary
James Otho Hicks was born to David and Annie Hicks on January 18, 1926, in Dardenelle, Arkansas. Being from a large family of ten, working on the family farm and attending school was the norm. But on May 29, 1944 James enlisted into the United States Army, serving during World War II. During his service, he traveled many places, England; Germany, while earning the U.S. Army Occupation Ribbon (Japan) and the E.A.M.E Theaer Ribbon for the Liberation of the Philippines. On May 14, 1946 James was honorably discharged from Service. In 1947, following his two sisters, Geneva and Lena, James moved to Los Angeles where he met and on March 2, 1948 he married Mary J. Fulller. Their union produced three children, Brenda, Ronald, and Carol.James was always a diligent and hard worker. Upon arriving to Los Angeles he explored several career option including boxing (which he quickly learned was not his calling) and the Los Angeles Police Department. He later worked for the U.S. Rubber Company (Uniroyal) unil suffering an injury that resulted in his early retirement. In February 1966, James and Mary opened J&M Market. Being a family business, they instilled the importance of hard work in their children, teaching them the business and the value of loyalty to his customers and community. James continued to work faithfully in the store until December 2011 when his declining health prevented him from going any further.Always knowing the value of hard work and education, James knew that without GOD and a strong spiritual base nothing would be possible. So, in 1969, he joined and brought his family to First Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Roger R. Williams. Hungary to serve the Lord James was a faithful memeber of the Choir and Sunday school. Over the years, with Pastor Lewter and now iwth Reverend Darnell Jones, James served on the Deacon Board as well as a member of the Trustee Board.James was also a member of the Masonic Order, serving his membership with the Alpine Lodge #1 in Los Angeles. There he met and remained friends with some wonderful people as he grew in his studies. He was an avid bowler and golfer, earning any trophies, awards and a host of lifelong friends.James transitioned from his life into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on August 9, 2012. He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mary; his parents David and Annie B. Hicks; Brother Ben Hicks, Dardenelle, Ark; Sisters, Pearl Scott, Lemmie Tate, Canna Thompson, Geneva Dunlap, Elmira Hill, and Louise Burns.To cherish his memory, he is survived by his children Brenda Roberson of Inglewood, CA, Ronald (Rosalyn) Hicks Inglewood, CA and Carol (Roderick) Mayes, Downey, CA; Brother Nathaniel (Georgia) Hicks of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Sister Lena Gross, Los Angeles, CA; Grandchildren, Brandon, Crystal, Aryn, Taylar, Jordan and Joshua; and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends all who he loved dearly.Click Here to view memorial folder
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