Jimmy Hicks

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of James R. “Jimmy” Hicks at the age of 93. Jimmy peacefully left this earth to join his Lord and Savior on August 2, 2025. Jimmy was born on March 25, 1932, in Tyler, Texas and was a vital part of this community throughout his entire life. He was the only child of Richard and Elizabeth Hicks and attended Tyler Public Schools where he earned the esteemed recognition of Valedictorian from Tyler High School in 1949. He continued his education, first at Tyler Junior College and finally the University of Texas at Austin. While in college he met the love of his life, Sara and the two were married on June 13, 1953. After a short stay in Missouri for the army, they welcomed their daughter, Gina, in 1955. Jimmy and Sara settled down in Tyler and began putting down roots. The family of three welcomed their son, Bobby, two years later. Jimmy spent his life working alongside his father, son, grandsons and even great-grandson as a second generation insurance agent, growing the family insurance business that has become a legacy that spans 5 generations. He loved what he did and would regularly come into the office until his retirement in 2024. Jimmy’s life outside the office was filled with many passions, ranging from music and movies to sports and travel. Jimmy’s love of singing and music spanned throughout his life as he played the cornet in both high school and junior college. He was the featured cornet solo during the 1951 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, when the Apache Belles and band performed “Sugar Blues” at halftime. Over the years he sang and played in various jazz and dance bands in Tyler, continuing to share his love of music with all. As a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Tyler, he showcased his beautiful voice and musical talent for more than 60 years as a member and soloist in the choir and various musical events. He served as a church deacon and his voice could be found throughout the sanctuary each Sunday. Jimmy was regularly asked to sing at Marvin Methodist Church in the Friendly Class where he was simply known as “Jim The Baptist” and he also blessed countless friends and families with his voice during both weddings and funerals throughout the years. His friends knew when he was near by his whistled melodies and hummed hymns which accompanied him wherever he went. Along with music, Jimmy found joy in a variety of activities throughout his life. He was an avid tennis player and loved to get in a round or two of golf as much as possible. He was a member of the Rotary Club and served on the board with Southside Bank. However, enjoying all life had to offer, with Sara, was where he found profound joy. Together they loved to dance and Jimmy was one of the best dance partners around, whether on the dance floor or in the kitchen at home. The two of them also loved to travel, as evidenced by the map that still hangs in his room with pins of all the places they went together. Along with their closest friends he and Sara traveled the world. From various cruises to golfing around Europe, and everything in between he had a life filled with stories to tell anyone that would ask. Jimmy and Sara had a storybook love which spanned decades and was ever present to all who were near. Jimmy is preceded in death by his wife Sara, parents Richard and Elizabeth Hicks, and grandson Daniel Hicks. He is survived by his daughter, Gina Hicks Pettigrew and husband Louis; son, Bobby Hicks and wife Pam; grandchildren, Matt Hicks and wife Ena, Paige Kirbo and husband Brent, and Haley Spiering and husband Donald; great-grandchildren, Lucas Hicks and wife Mariah; Paxton, Caiden, Raylan and Hadalin Spiering; Bryan Kirbo; Liana Matta and husband Chris; and Leonard Cabe. Great-great-grandchildren, Stetson Hicks, Alana and Asa Matta, as well as extended family and friends whom he touched during his great life. Jimmy will forever be remembered as a great patriarch, devoted husband, loving father, and friend who always has a song to sing. May we forever remember him when we hear his or our favorite hymn. Services for Jimmy will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Tyler with visitation one hour prior to the service. A private family graveside will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler. If desired, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 301 West Ferguson, Tyler, TX 75702 (www.fbctyler.org)

Jimmy Hicks

March 25, 1932 - August 2, 2025