James Richard Hicks

February 3, 1948 - March 22, 2024

James Richard Hicks, 76, of Tomahawk, WI, passed away Friday, March 22, 2024 in Fort Myers, FL, after a short but valiant fight against cancer. He was born February 3, 1948 in Hoboken, NJ to Frederick and Jeanette Hicks, now deceased.  He served 7 years in the US Navy.

Jim and his life partner, Jean Williams were long time residents of Waukesha WI, moving to Tomahawk after retirement, where they enjoyed the north woods, boating on the river and loved having family and friends visit. When the cold and snow set in each season, it was time to head south, spending winters with family and friends in Fort Myers, FL.  

Jim is survived by his four children, Tyler Hicks (Melody) of Mequon, WI, Chad Hicks (Maria Mapstone) of Cape Coral, FL, Dean Williams (Ruth) of Hartford, WI, and Linda Kunz (Dan) of Waukesha, WI; Jim was an amazing Grandpa (Bumpa) to a lucky crew of grandkids: Parker, Violet, Eli, Lucas, Haley, and Ryan.  He is further survived by sister, Janet Bavers (Steve) of Franklin, WI; two brothers, Art Hicks (Cathy) of Racine, WI, and Ken Hicks of Reno, NV; several nieces and nephews.

After spending several years working for GE, Jim found his passion working as a golf course superintendent/ assistant at St John’s Northwestern Military Academy and Westmoor Country Club.

Jim was an avid golfer and would never turn down: a game of cards; a beer at the local watering hole; or a Milwaukee Brewer game – always sharing a laugh with family and friends at his side. Jim met and made friends from around the world on his many cruises, and was an amazing dance partner to his sweetheart, Jean.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life has been planned for Sunday, May 5th at Western Lake Golf Club W287 N1963 Oakton Rd. Pewaukee, WI 53072.  Jim’s family welcomes anyone who would like to visit, anytime between 3:00 to 5:00pm to raise a glass in his honor.

The family would also like to thank his extended family and the Scott Schoenthal’s Circle of Love, scottscircleoflove.org, charity for their help in covering some of Jim’s care and comfort expenses during his treatment.  If you are looking for a worthy cause to contribute to in the future, please consider them.  

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Tyler Hicks Mar 26, 2024 at 2:16 pm

    So thankful for the chats; laughs and adventures we experienced together! Parker & Violet sure were lucky to have a really cool Grandpa😉. Love You and Miss You Dad!!!!
    – Tyler

  2. Don Mar 26, 2024 at 5:02 pm

    Jim “The Captain” was always one of the guys. He made a great cocktail, and told excellent stories. He will be sorely missed by his golf buddies in Wisco.

  3. Saj Thachenkary Mar 26, 2024 at 5:14 pm

    Countless laughs and amazing memories with our beloved “Captain” Jim Hicks including our annual Memorial Day trip, a visit to Jim and Tyler in FLA and many, many, more. He will be missed but the stories and warm memories of post-round beers and laughs will go on and on. You’ll be missed big guy.

  4. Dennis Boese Mar 26, 2024 at 5:19 pm

    So sorry for his family and friends. He was a great guy and my best friend (he was like the brother I never had). Rest in peace, Jim.

  5. Marilyn Jones Mar 26, 2024 at 6:48 pm

    Loved watching Jim and Jean dance and playing cards with them. He had a knack of remembering every card played and was very hard to beat. They were a great team and knew how to enjoy life and each other. He will be missed by his Florida/ Venetian Palms friends.

  6. Julian and Jennifer Brook Mar 26, 2024 at 6:55 pm

    Lucky to meet you both on the cruise, and in Edinburgh
    Pity we couldn’t have met more often
    Take care Jean

  7. Constance Drimones Mar 26, 2024 at 7:19 pm

    So very sorry for the loss of your Dad, Tyler. My sincere condolences 💐 Constance

  8. Dawn Meunier Mar 26, 2024 at 8:52 pm

    You will be missed Uncle Jim, always a joy to be around. Thanksgiving will never be the same without your pie surprise!!!
    We love you

  9. Keith Bavers Mar 26, 2024 at 8:55 pm

    Loved his competition at the poker table. His calm & steady strokes on the links was hard to beat. His humor & loving nature will always be what I remember. Will miss you Uncle Jim. Love you.
    -Keith

  10. Sharon Betts Mar 27, 2024 at 1:34 pm

    Jim and Jean have been part of our card games for several years now and we look forward to their arrival for our “season” to begin. Jim provided the music and kept score and the rest of us didn’t have to think, just play. Watching Jim and Jean dance was always fun. The were a wonderful couple. We will miss you Jim.
    Sharon Betts

  11. Joe Oliva Mar 27, 2024 at 6:51 pm

    Jim was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. You’ll be missed by your Venetian Palms friends .

  12. Todd Bavers Mar 28, 2024 at 12:47 pm

    Thanks Uncle Jim for 50 years of memories. Will miss playing golf and cards with you. I think most of all though, I’ll miss your laugh. Very distinctive and infectious. One of three great Uncles. We’ll miss you Jim. Love to Jean, Tyler, Chad, Dean and Linda.

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