James Hicks
James Wesley "Jim" Hicks, 87, of Orlando, Fla., peacefully died on Saturday, April 16, 2016.
Originally from Chattanooga, he retired to Kissimmee, and most recently resided at Orlando Lutheran Towers. Jim was an American veteran, serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a devout Christian, father and outgoing neighbor and friend in the Lookout Valley and Possum Creek communities, as well as the Oak Run area of Kissimmee; always sharing lots of laughter and wit, and never met a stranger!
Working most of his life as a talented craftsman in the construction and sheet metal industries, he retired from Tennessee Valley Authority - Sequoyah Nuclear Power Plant, and then journeyed to serve as a security officer and front-line greeter for special events and convention resorts in the Orlando area. Through the years, Jim was a dedicated church member at both Southern Baptist and United Methodist congregations. He belonged to Sheet Metal Workers Local Union # 5, the Lookout Valley and Soddy Masonic Lodges, The Scottish Rite, The American Legion and Alhambra Shriners associations; and together with his beloved wife Martha, received special recognition for 20 years of service as the Resident Manager for the First Lutheran Church Camp in Soddy Daisy.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Belle McCauley Hicks; his father, Grover Marion Hicks, mother, Bonnie Humble Hicks, and brothers, Paul and Bob Hicks.
He is survived by his son, J.Michael Hicks, of Orlando, his step-son, Joseph M. (Joe) Knight III, and his wife, Theresa Fryar Knight of Soddy Daisy, his sister, Doris White, of Hixson, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 24, from 2-6 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Chattanooga, Tn. 37343. Graveside services will be held on Monday, April 25, at 1:30 p.m. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held immediately following the service from 2-6 p.m., at the Granfalloon Event Center, 400 E. Main Street, Chattanooga.
Arrangements are being handled by Chattanooga Funeral Home - North Chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made to: First Lutheran Church Camp Fund (in memory of Jim Hicks) c/o First Lutheran Church, 2800 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, Tn. 37404.