James H. Hicks, Sr.
James H. Hicks, Sr., age 85, of Crestline, died Saturday morning, December 4, 2021 at his home.
Jim was born August 8, 1936 in Detroit, MI to the late Robert and Gertrude (Anderson) Hicks. He graduated from Alma High School in Alma, MI and was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Jim moved to Ohio taking a job with Hartman Electric in Mansfield where he was a purchaser. He then started a career at Ohio Brass where he concluded his working life.
As a young man, Jim was very active and involved with coaching youth sports. He was a manager for Shelby Little League, Shelby YMCA Youth League, and was an assistant with the Shelby Summer Junior Track Program. He also was active with the Shelby YMCA Building Committee.
Jim never met a stranger and sincerely considered all friends and neighbors family. He loved following family and all local youth in their sporting activities. Anyone who knew Jim knew him by his stories, jokes, and poems. Many of those poems were written about family members and friends whom he cared so deeply about- so many, in fact, that his family compiled them into a book. Jim was also known for passing out crosses, a ministry he took upon himself, often giving away more than one to a person so they could share with others. His passion for staying connected with people was done in person with friends and even complete strangers in the nursing home and, when unable in person, by telephone.
On May 9, 1959, Jim married Teresa B. (Rietschlin) Hicks and together they celebrated 62 years of marriage. Jim has missed her dearly since her recent passing just two short months ago. It is certain that their reunion in heaven for her first birthday there (December 6) was joyous. In addition to his wife and parents, Jim was also preceded in death by a son-in-law: John Shell; grandson: Eric Yetzer; and brother: Dr. Robert Hicks.
Jim is survived by his 8 children: Dianne Shell of New Washington, David Hicks of Crestline, Susan (Allen) Yetzer of Shelby, James (Linda) Hicks, Jr. of Crestline, Joseph (Tammy) Hicks of Hamilton, William Hicks of Orlando, FL, Rebecca Hicks-Concilla of Naples, FL, and Heidi (Brian) Barga of Blacklick; 19 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 14 great great grandchildren; a sister-in-law: Charlene Spitan; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 6-8 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 8 pm with Fr. Jeff Smith officiating. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 10:15 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery, Shelby Settlement. Memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Hospice.
Appropriate ways to express sympathy for those unable to attend may be done by leaving an online condolence on Jim’s obituary at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on his post on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Our condolences to the Hicks family of the passing of Jim. He was one in a million, lots of fond memories. He was always so kind and funny, he will be missed!
Hicks family, we are so saddened to learn of Jim’s and your mother’s passing. He was always a welcomed employee for us at Domino’s in his retirement years. He would stop in often after he left our employ to visit and catch up on all those he worked with. It was such a pleasure knowing him. May God comfort you with fond and special memories of both of your parents and Bless you with grace and serenity.
Chuck and I are so sorry to read of your Dad’s death. and so close to your Mom’s, too
please know that all your family are in our prayers.
Your Mom and Dad were good people.
Chuck says he will miss your Dad’s phone calls.
They were always uplifting.
Chuck and Barb Elliott
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Angel Schroeder
We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We are thankful he and Teresa are together again. Your family are in our prayers.
Jim and Theresa were friends to all especially those who part of the Buckeye Central family. I enjoyed many conversations Jim and I had. He told many great stories and supported the youth from the Shelby Settlement area that were involved in sports. I truly appreciated the support Jim showed me as principal. I will miss you buddy.
I’m so sorry to hear of your fathers passing your parents were so kind when they came into Cornells when I was a cashier there your father gave me a cross which I carry with me at all times he would always sit and visit at the doorway of the store while your mom shopped he joked and told stories will always remember his kind heart and soul
Jim Hicks was one of a kind. Really enjoyed talking to him a hearing all his stories You will be missed. Big Hugs to his family.
I’m sure going to miss my neighbor’s vists and phone calls. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Donna and I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the entire family of Jim and Teresa Hicks on this occasion of Jim’s death. Growing up just down the road, John remembers when Jim first moved into Shelby Settlement when he and Teresa were married. I have many fond memories of Jim from those early years. I and my brothers spent many summer mornings helping out with sweet corn and other crops when Jim began doing a bit of vegetable production for sale to local grocery stores and neighbors. As a child, I always found Jim to be kind and with a great sense of humour. After I moved from the area, my contact with Jim was rather sporadic but I always held him in the highest esteem. Please be assured of our prayers.
John and Donna Rietschlin, Ottawa, Canada
Jim , sorry to hear of your dads passing. he always remembered me whenever we ran into each other,he was a character!
My deepest sympathy to the family of Jim Hicks. He and Teresa were frequent visitors at Rite Aid in Crestline. Always jovial and full of stories and a joke or two, and Jim never failed to inquire how my husband was doing. They will both be missed. And I too have a couple of those wooden crosses ✝️ May it bring you comfort to know they are together once again.
Jim was such a wonderful person and one of a kind. Such a kind soul who has touched so many lives.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. God Bless
to the Hicks family: You are in our thought and prayers at this time
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. He will be missed by many.