It is with heavy hearts we report our beloved Dad, Brother, Uncle and Friend “James M. Hicks Jr. (Jimmy/Jim)” passed away unexpectedly in his Chesapeake Virginia home Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the age of 70. Born August 29, 1952, in Norfolk Virginia. Jimmy attended Indian River High School, but as those close to him know he did not prescribe to conformity or restrictions and preferred to live his life as the carefree gentle giant he was that smiled and laughed as often as possible.

Several years after high school, Jimmy traveled the country, or as we like to remember it, he hitchhiked across the country working carnivals, seeing all that he could from the beautiful landscapes to rock concerts. Although it may not have been known, Jimmy cared deeply for his family and did everything he could to help when needed. Jimmy was a very spiritual down to earth man that loved Jesus, his neighbors, fishing, Nascar, football, and was an amateur archeologist belonging to the Virginia Archeological Society at one point in his life.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Janette Hicks who he cared for until they both passed. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Michael Hicks, grandson, James Michael Gordy “Jamie,” sister, Doris Montague, nieces: Michelle Thomasson and Kim Adams as well as his great-nieces and nephews.

Anyone who truly knew Jimmy knows he would not want us making a fuss over this situation, so as I sit here contemplating what else to say it came to me as if from him….

Close your eyes and you will see all the memories you have of me. Calm your mind and you will find I’m still here inside your mind. Don’t weep for me I am not gone but all around you from dusk till dawn. There is no pain and there is no fear so quiet your mind and you will hear. I give you this one thought to keep, I am with you still, I do not sleep. Instead remember each day that goes you will see and feel me everywhere you go as I am the wind that blows, the diamond glints on the snow, the sunlight in the summer sky, the gentle rain that falls on your face, the laughter you hear from the mountain creek, the gentle fog as it rises from the lake, the soft stars that shine at night and the moon above that shines ever so bright. Don’t think of me as gone as I will always be with you.