James Roy Hicks

James Roy Hicks, 68, of Knoxville, passed away February 1, 2016. Jim was a dedicated and talented woodworker who refinished and repaired antiques for more than thirty years. Many of Jim’s clients referred to him as “Rembrandt.” Rain or shine, through the cold early mornings and late into the night, Jim was in his shop, toiling away. Wood had to be exactly the right color. Paint was either slick and high gloss or smooth like silk pearl. Like all artists, he knew exactly what each piece needed to be perfect. Many times, I wondered what he could possibly do to fix a box full of broken bits. Cracked, warped, damaged, it didn’t matter; Jim found a way to do the impossible, breathing new life into old wood. Some have said that Knoxville has lost a talented, great man. He was funny, kind, and patient, willing to talk for hours about politics and religion and long-forgotten family stories. At home, he was a simple man, humble and constant; a loving husband, dad, and grandpa. Preceded in death by parents, Roy and Lou Ellen Hicks. Survived by wife of 44 years, Carolyn Hicks; daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Carlos Martinez of Queens, NY; son and daughter-in-law, James and Sarah Hicks of Buford, GA; grandchildren, Matthew Martinez, Penelope Martinez, Oliver Hicks, and Sophia Hicks; sister and brother-in-law, Terri and Ron Ricketts of Cleveland, TN. Jim was accepted as a brother amongst his wife’s sisters and brother and known lovingly as “Uncle Jim” to their children. His legacy lives on, not only in the furniture he dedicated his life to, but in the many lives he touched. He will be greatly missed. Condolences may be offered at sherwoodchapel.net