Thomas James Hickman Sr.

Thomas James “Jimmy” Hickman, 95, passed away December 25, 2024 at his home in Orlando, FL. He was born on October 14, 1929 to William A. Hickman and Ruby Bellamy. He is preceded in death by his siblings William Aubrey “Bill” Hickman, James Garnett Hickman, Wyolene Hickman Ross, and Patricia Lavinia Hickman Richardson.

Jim grew up in Orlando, FL and graduated from Orlando High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1954 and was honored with the National Defense Service Medal.

In November 1953, Jim married the love of his life, Marion Newby in Varina, VA. They moved to Orlando, FL in July 1954 where they remained to raise their family.

He worked as a building inspector, a letter carrier, and a landscaper, and he was a member of North Park Baptist Church, the Florida Garden Railroad Society, and the German Shepherd Dog Club of Central Florida.

Jim was a coach, an athlete, an artist, a craftsman, an inventor, an animal lover, a train enthusiast, a fisherman, a photographer, and a great storyteller. A rascal at heart, he always had a joke at the ready and a twinkle in his eye when he told it. He considered himself an entertainer and he loved to make people smile.

He is survived by his children Thomas James Hickman, Jr. (Janet), Timothy Michael Hickman (Lynne), and Susan Cathy Hickman (Wendy Westmoreland); grandchildren Thomas James Hickman III (Christopher Kittinger), Tiffany Ann Meeks (Jason), and Ashley Hickman Samuels (Daniel); and great grandchildren Evelina, J.J., and Liliana Meeks.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home – Goldenrod Chapel, 7520 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Orlando.