Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Sikes Obituary
Wayne Sikes
Capt. James "Jim" Wayne Sikes, 62, passed away March 30, 2011.
In his varied career, Jim served his country in the US Navy, the FL Army National Guard, and the AL Army National Guard, where he received Special Forces training. Subsequently, he became a US Merchant Marine Officer and Maritime instructor.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Sikes; daughters, Jennifer and Laura Sikes, Ashley Heilig (Austin); sons, Zachary and Cody Phillips; goddaughter, Desiree Muhammad (Muharram); grandson, Harper Heilig; brothers, Robert, Fletcher and Carl Sikes; and stepmother, Elsa Sikes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Elda Mae Sikes and sister, Cathy Sikes.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 3, 2011 any time after 6pm, at the home of Janice's parents, Wayne and Eula Wingate, 38306 Colony Trail, Hilliard, FL. The hour between 5 and 6pm will be reserved for Jim's immediate family.
The funeral will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, on Monday, April 4, 2011 at 2:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Valerie Sikes
June 15, 2011
I love you uncle jimmy you are missed. You touched so many peoples lives. You will be greatly missed!
Carl Sikes
May 28, 2011
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
April 13, 2011
I will miss you so very much my cherished friend....my heart to yours.
Beth Bailey
Forrest Christenot
April 9, 2011
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.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Emily
April 5, 2011
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.
Torrey & Will Kingry
April 4, 2011
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
Brenda & Cliff Allen
April 4, 2011
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.
Margie and John Reagan
April 4, 2011
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.
B Roberts
April 3, 2011
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.
Leanne Duke
April 2, 2011
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
Lilia Navarro
April 2, 2011
My deepest condolences for his family! May you rest in peace!
Darlene Lazo
April 2, 2011
I'm Sorry To Here Of Capt. Sykes may God Bless Him And His Family At This Time
Mark And Darlene Lazo
Mark Blei
April 2, 2011
My deepest condolences on your loss.
April 2, 2011
Jenny & family: So very sorry for your loss. May your memories and time heal your sorrow.
Jamie Pileggi
April 2, 2011
RIP Sailor/Soldier and thanks for your service.
Jennifer Sikes
April 2, 2011
Goodbye, Daddy. RIP. Love, Jennifer
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in James Sikes's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Sikes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
