James Sikes

I love you uncle jimmy you are missed. You touched so many peoples lives. You will be greatly missed!

I started working with Jim in 79, as an ordinary seaman. He taught me a great deal. I am now a 1600 ton Oceans Master. My passion for the guitar was no doubt inspired by his expert piano playing. My earliest memories are sitting by him on the piano bench. Captain Carl Sikes

I will miss you so very much my cherished friend....my heart to yours.
Beth Bailey

O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:

But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;

Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

In heaven there are only fair winds and following seas.

Captain Jim was a great teacher. He was my instructor during Sea School and there was never a question he couldn't answer. I enjoyed hearing all of his fun sea stories. He had just the perfect balance between knowledge and humor. I'll always think of him when I look at my captain's license, and be extra careful when passing ships because as he taught me those captains in the big boats can't see us little boats from the bridge! I know he is sharing all of his sea stories with the angels in Heaven.

We were sad to hear the news of Captain Jim! Will and I both enjoyed working with him on La Cruise. I especially enjoyed listening to him play piano. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love, Torrey and Will Kingry

Memories gallore of Cpt. Jim Sikes. We and our boys loved him, and rode with him in the waters many times. Have many pictures as well, what a loss. our love and sympathy to all the family.

Janice and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Think of all the good memories that you shared and may they help you through this difficult time.

Found memories of Jim, a very dear person and an a fine musician as well. I also knew Cathy and blessed be his meeting with her. So long Captain.

Janice, This is Leanne in Pensacola. I'm am so upset by this news. Thank you for putting it in our paper. Jim was so special to me at a hard time in my life. Please can you look for my facebook and friend me so we can talk. My name is Leanne Duke, Pensacola FL. I've very sorry for your lose. I'm so glad he found you and had a special love. I have missed him terribly.
So sorry again.
Leanne

My deepest condolences for his family! May you rest in peace!

I'm Sorry To Here Of Capt. Sykes may God Bless Him And His Family At This Time
Mark And Darlene Lazo

My deepest condolences on your loss.

Jenny & family: So very sorry for your loss. May your memories and time heal your sorrow.
Jamie Pileggi

RIP Sailor/Soldier and thanks for your service.

Goodbye, Daddy. RIP. Love, Jennifer