Isadore John Hicks

He was born on December 30, 1936, in Maringouin, Louisiana, the son of John Vincent and Henrietta (Williams) Hicks.

John, as he was affectionately known by friends and family, received a full-tuition academic scholarship to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education. After graduating from college, John stayed in Louisiana for a short period of time and taught high school math. He then moved to Chicago, Illinois in search of more employment opportunities and to escape the Louisiana heat.

The move to Chicago proved to be a good choice for John. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Joy, of over 62 years. They were married on April 20, 1963, and had two children.

John began his career in government as a Caseworker for the Illinois Department of Public Aid (formerly known as the Cook County Department of Public Aid) in 1962. He worked his way up the ladder and was later appointed to the position of Deputy Director for the Division of Community Operations. John had a strong work ethic. He believed in helping those who were less fortunate, and he was well liked by his peers. After learning of his passing, one of his close friends wrote to his family, “As you know, I have bottomless admiration for (John). He and I fought our way through a lot of battles together at work, and his courage, tactical strength, and integrity carried the day many times.” John retired from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) in 1998. He received a letter of recognition from Governor Jim Edgar for his more than 36 years of service to the State of Illinois.

John was also a devoted Christian and faithful member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He served as a Eucharistic minister and assisted with many fundraisers and church activities. John was known by his church family as someone you could always count on. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf, tending to his garden, going fishing, and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. John was also a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who would do anything for his family. Above all of his accomplishments in life, Isadore “John” Hicks was a man of faith. He loved GOD!

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Shirley Hicks-Dotson, Johnnie Mae Green, Susie Lee Hicks-Smith; and brothers, James MacArthur Hicks, John Calvin Hicks, and Clyde Joseph Hicks.

John is survived by his wife, Joy; daughters, Veronica Hicks-Treadwell and Bernadette Hicks-Hurley; grandchildren, Tierra Joy Treadwell, Aliyah Nicole Treadwell, and John Cornelius Hurley; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield.

Funeral Mass: Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1720 S. Grand Avenue East, Springfield, with Rev. James Isaacson, S.J.C., celebrant.

Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.