James "Jim" E. Hicks

James E. “Jim” Hicks, Jr., 93, of Florence, SC, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2016, at the McLeod Hospice House. Mr. Hicks was born in Chattanoogna, TN, a son of the late James E. Hicks, Sr. and Gladys Holt Hicks. He was a member of the Greatest Generation having served the US Army in WWII as a member of the Amphibious Forces in the Pacific Theater where he obtained the rank of First Sgt. and participated in the Occupation of Japan.He was a Bronze Star recipient among other awards.Mr. Hicks was a long time member of First United Methodist Church in Laurens where he served in many capacities.After moving to Florence, he attended Mary Alice Ingram Chapel at Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee.He was an active member of the VFW and American Legion.He was an active member of the Hejaz Shriners in Mauldin, having raised over a million dollars for the Shriners Hospitals For Children.He received his 60 year service award from the Masons.Mr. Hicks was a sales engineer with 3M Textile Ceramics, retiring after 42 years of service.He was an avid golfer and water skier. Mr. Hicks or “Papa” as he was known to his children and grandchildren was a humble and compassionate husband, father and grandfather. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Karen (Hal) Cottle of Cedartown, GA, Kim (Richard) Skipper of Florence and Karla (Jim) Johnson of Waynesboro, GA; his grandchildren, Chris Cottle, Michael Cottle, Philip Skipper, Anna Grace Skipper, Jenny Johnson and Jay Johnson; brothers, Jerry Hicks and Bill Hicks; and sister, Mary Coppit. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Elrod Hicks and his sisters, Mildred Schmidt and Margaret Smith. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at the Mary Alice Ingram Chapel at Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee. Burial will follow in Florence National Cemetery directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital For Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. Please sign the tribute wall for Mr. Hicks at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.