James "Jim" Francis Hicks, 67, died Saturday March 23, 2013 at St. Anthony Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born in Seattle Washington on December 6th, 1945 to Jim and Theresa Hicks he lived in several states growing up such as California, Nevada, Alaska, Georgia & Texas. Jim served his country in the Navy from 1963 to 1966 completing three overseas tours, including Vietnam. Jim was also a Seabee member in the Navy’s Construction Battalion. Throughout his life he was close to family, friends and his beloved OU Sooners, where he was a season ticket holder for 42 years, attending away games where he would arrive before the team and greet them at their hotel; team members often referred to him as “Coach Hicks.”

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and beloved stepmother Maureen. He is survived by his wife Beverly Hodges Hicks, daughters, Theresa and husband Kevin Jones, Christy and husband Mike Kramp, Betti and husband Mike Estep a son Bobby Hicks, grandchildren Miranda, Haylee, Devyn, Raley, Alissa, Bradley, Emily, Blake, Madison and Makayla, and two great grandchildren Addison and Sovie. Also Sisters Ramona, Jeanette and Joyce, brother Pete and wife Christy, Uncle Bobby, Danny and wife Monique and nephew Michael and wife Brenda and son Dylan and all of his closest and dearest friends. He worked in a variety of occupations, including as a certified butcher, emergency medical technician, construction worker, wrecker service business owner and operations manager for Yellow Cab. Jim loved golf, theater and baseball as well as his Sooners.

Jim always had a place in his heart for helping people whether they were in another state, injured on the side of the road or on our own home front assisting in the rescue efforts of the 1995 bombing victims or running down a sideline giving true brotherly encouragement. Many ways known and unknown he helped his kids and grandkids by showing his true heart of service and love. No matter where Jim went he would always engage people with a smile and nice gesture along his way making new friends everywhere he traveled. He had the most funny and charming personality one could ever imagine.

Jim was an organ donor, and today someone is looking at the world with restored vision, thanks to his generosity; presumably they will be converted to Sooners fandom. The family wishes to thank his caregivers through his many health problems and asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his memory to the OU Foundation, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.

Family visitation will be Thursday, March 28, from 6‐8 p.m. at Ford Funeral Home, 305 S. Sooner Road, with a celebration of his life on Friday, March 29, at 2 p.m. at Candlewood Chapel, 315 S. Sooner Road. Vigil will be held at the Kolb Cemetery located at the intersection of Midwest Blvd. and N.E. 36th Street, north of Midwest City.

“BOOMER SOONER”!!!