James Hicks

James Levon Hicks, 74, received his eternal reward on Friday, November 14, 2014 after an extended illness. Mr. Hicks of Grove Hill was born on November 16, 1939 and lived a life of service and leadership to his family, church, and community. He loved his hometown of Grove Hill, fishing, traveling, and Alabama football.




Levon was devoted to his family. In 1964 he married his wife Helen, and this past June, Levon and Helen celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with friends and family. He loved his two daughters and five grandchildren and enjoyed every opportunity he could take to spend time with his family.




Mr. Hicks was a member and elder at the Jackson Church of Christ for more than 50 years. Over the years he took several mission trips to Russia and Honduras. His church was his extended family, and its members served him faithfully throughout his sickness.




For the majority of his life, Levon worked for Golden Flake Potato Chips. After retiring, he became a civil servant, serving two terms as Town Council Member in Grove Hill and the past two years as Mayor of the town. In addition, he served approximately 40 years as a Grove Hill volunteer fireman and many years as a member of the Lions Club.




Mr. Hicks is survived by his wife Helen (Wright); daughters Vonya (Jay) Clark of Birmingham and Jeanne (Kevin) Foust of Florence; grandchildren Jack Clark, Hannah Foust, Will Clark, Abby Foust, and Anna Kay Clark.; sister-in-law Jackie (Doug) Atchison of Jackson; brothers Billy Hicks of Wenatchee, Washington and Curtis Hicks of Grove Hill; and loving nieces and nephews as well as numerous other relatives.




His life was honored by a fireman's funeral with visitation immediately preceding at the Jackson Church of Christ on Monday, November 17. Brian Gentle, assisted by William Harper and Scott Baggett, officiated the memorial service and graveside service at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Jackson.




Pallbearers were members and deacons of the Jackson Church of Christ: Doug Atchison, Keith Higginbotham, Gary Irby, Kenny Reeves, Matt Rouse, and Bruce Todd. Honorary pallbearers were William Harper and Royce Hutcheson, both fellow elders with Mr. Hicks. In his directions to family for his service, Mr. Hicks requested that his fire and city personnel friends be considered honored guests at his life celebration.




The family especially wishes to thank everyone in Clarke County for the love, support, care, thoughtfulness, and prayers offered on Levon's behalf over the past few months.