Obituary of LT COL James Patrick Hicks, USAF

James Patrick Hicks passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 25, 2014, at the age of 67, after a lengthy battle with vascular dementia.Jim, as he was known to friends and family, was born to Richard and Ouida Hicks in Jasper, Texas on January 9, 1947. After graduating high school there in 1965, he attended Texas A&M University for two years and then graduated from Stephen F. Austin University in May 1970 with a Bachelor's degree in Forestry. After marrying Diana Marshall on June 13, 1970, he reported to Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base. Acceptance to pilot training followed and then training in the F-4. After F-4 training, Jim was assigned to Ubon AFB, Thailand from September 1972 to September 1973 where during his first year tour he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross among other metals. He returned to the states where upon completion of his term of active duty he was hired by American Airlines in 1977 and flew for them until 2006. While flying for American, he also served in the Air Force Reserves at Tinker AFB with the 465th Fighter Squadron from 1978 until 1992. Upon retiring from the reserves in 1992 he fulfilled his lifelong dream of moving his family to the mountains of Colorado.Jim was an avid fisherman and loved hiking the mountains in the summer and skiing in the winter. Even as his dementia progressed he never stopped admiring the beauty of our local countryside. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Diana Hicks; a son, James Patrick Hicks, Jr. of Denver, Colorado; a daughter, Jennifer Gillum of Protection, Kansas; and four grandchildren, Garrett, Grant, and Gatlin Gillum of Protection, Kansas and Riana Fuller of Canon City, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Karen Hicks Hayes.Graveside Service with Full Military Honors, 2:00PM, Wedneday, July 30, 2014, Ula Cemetery, 2091 County Road 170, Westcliffe, Colorado.Jim was a good man who loved his family. He will be missed terribly by his family and friends. Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Wednesday, July 30, 2014 2:00PM Ula Cemetery 2091 County Road 170 Westcliffe, CO Phone: 719-328-1793 Service Wednesday, July 30, 2014 2:00PM Ula Cemetery 2091 County Road 170 Westcliffe, CO Phone: 719-328-1793