James Wesley Hicks

James Wesley (Jim) Hicks, 87, of Orlando, Fla., peacefully passed on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Originally from Chattanooga, Tenn., he retired to Kissimmee, and most recently resided at Orlando Lutheran Towers. Jim was an American Veteran, serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a devout Christian, father and outgoing neighbor and friend in the Lookout Valley and Possum Creek communities, as well as the Oak Run area of Kissimmee; always sharing lots of laughter and wit, and never met a stranger!

Working most of his life as a talented craftsman in the construction and sheet metal industries, he retired from Tennessee Valley Authority - Sequoyah Nuclear Power Plant, and then journeyed to serve as a security officer and front-line greeter for special events and convention resorts in Orlando area. Through the years, Jim was a dedicated church member at both Southern Baptist and United Methodist congregations. He belonged to Sheet Metal Workers Local Union # 5, the Lookout Valley and Soddy Masonic Lodges, The Scottish Rite, American Legion and Alhambra Shriners associations; and together with his beloved wife Martha, received special recognition for 20 years of service as the Resident Manager for the First Lutheran Church Camp in Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.

Jim was proceeded in death by his wife, Martha Belle McCauley Hicks; his father Grover Marion Hicks and mother Bonnie Humble Hicks. He is survived by his son, J.Michael Hicks, of Orlando, Fla., his step-son Joseph M. (Joe) Knight, III, and his wife Theresa Fryar Knight of Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., his sister Doris White, of Hixson, Tenn., and a host of nieces and nephews.

An Orlando Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 20th from 2-6pm, at Baldwin Fairchild Ivanhoe Chapel, located at 301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando, FL 32804. An additional visitation will take place in Chattanooga on Sunday, April 24th from 2-6 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Chattanooga, TN 37343. Graveside Service will be held on Monday, April 25th at 1:30 pm at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. A “Celebration of Life” Gathering will be held immediately following service from 2-6 pm, location to be announced.

Arrangements being handled by Baldwin Fairchild Ivanhoe Chapel / Orlando and Chattanooga Funeral Home - North Chapel. Memorial Donations can be made to: First Lutheran Church Camp Fund c/o First Lutheran Church, 2800 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404.