James R. Hickney

Well…as our loving father would often say (so much so that he titled one of his original songs this way), “it is what it is”.

Our dad was a kind-hearted soul, hidden quite a few layers deep, of course, within a very tough shell. While his kind nature was extended to everyone who ever encountered him, his beautiful heart, unique humor, remarkable intelligence, and uncompromising love and devotion to his family and close friends was reserved for only a select group of lucky people.

Among the lucky ones, our mom, who shared a deep and persistent love with our dad that was truly enduring for over 45 years. Throughout the years, there was little question that our mom sat squarely at the center of our dad’s love and affection. Thankfully for us, he also made room for us right there beside her and had plenty of extra to go around for others. We were able to watch from the front row, as our mom and dad shared their lives together, a true team, working hard through various ups and downs to create a world for us filled with love and unconditional support. For that, we too have been lucky.

He was well-known to have a passion for music and for laughter, spending much of his free time pursuing a mastery of both. His true passion, however, was building and spending time with his family, where he served as a loving father, husband, protector, mentor, best friend, and lead guitarist. His own personal pursuits were always a distant second to providing support for his loved ones. You would often find him attending one of our youth sporting events, taking the family to the beach, camping, or simply hosting a campfire in the back yard.

He was always quick to lend a helping hand, whether to make some food and drop it off to the elderly folks down the street, or to grab a shovel and dig out family, friends, and complete strangers during a snowstorm. Not only would he give you the shirt off his back if you were in need, but he would likely iron it first and make you a grilled cheese sandwich on an English muffin, ok…maybe he would ask our mom to iron it…either way, the thought is there…

Not only was he always there to help, but he was talented and pursued quality in virtually everything he touched. He prided himself in that. It was unlikely to find a project that he couldn’t tackle, or be willing to lend a helping hand in.

Professionally, he spent most of his days as a craftsman in the stone masonry business. While he would refuse to be defined by his profession, it would be unfair not to at least note that he was a true artist and beloved by all his clients. It is only a fact that his work will certainly be admired for generations.

These are just a few examples of his defining qualities which were truly worthy of admiration.

Unfortunately, no story is complete without mentioning a bit of adversity. Throughout the years, he undoubtedly had to fight some difficult battles and faced many personal challenges, both on behalf of himself and his loved ones. He never once complained about the cards he was dealt, but instead, he simply did the best he could, the best he knew how.

At the end, he was able to move along to begin the next chapter on his own terms. For anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, they know he would not have had it any other way. We like to think that he is already causing trouble again, telling borderline inappropriate jokes to a group of our previously passed loved ones, and lighting up a lead on his electric guitar in a private concert for them to which attendance is not optional.

One thing is for sure, sticking true to form, he would not be one for the conventional path for services. In the spirit of that wish, services will be private with immediate family only. If you would like to honor him or pay your respects, please do so by posting a note on the Rock Funeral Home website, www.rock-funeralhome.com or saying a few prayers on his behalf, and then put on some good music, share a few laughs, and remember the good times we all shared with him.