James "Jim" Robert Hicks

James R. Hicks, 79, of Parkers Prairie, formerly of Wadena, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie.

A graveside memorial service will take place at 11 a.m., October 17, 2023, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. Full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Minnesota State Cemetery Honor Guard. 

James Robert Hicks was born on September 1, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to Delmar and Billie Jean (McCanson) Hicks. The family moved to Minnesota, where James, better known as "Jim", attended Swanville schools. After the sudden loss of Billie Jean, the Hicks settled in Nebraska. Jim graduated from Papillion High School in 1962 and shortly after, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam and had was general discharged in 1966. Relocating to California, Jim started a family. He married Jarryl Ann Larson and they had a son, Delmar. His career spanned various fields, including food service and juvenile transitional care. Jim had a deep affection for his Harley motorcycle and often shared stories of his rides. Later in life, he returned to Minnesota, reconnecting with his roots and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Curtis Hicks. 

He is survived by his son, Delmar Hicks of Wadena; sisters, Donna (Fred) Yahnke of Carlos and Janet (Lafe) Barnett of Bristow, OK; brothers, Jim (Romona) Thorp of Eagle Bend, Steve (Rose) Thorp of Milaca, John Hicks of Houston, Texas, and David (Carrie) Hicks of Dallas Texas; granddaughters, Rachael Renee Hicks of Aurora CO and Rebecca Anne Hicks of Huntsville AL; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.