Jimmy Darrell Hicks

Hicks – Jimmy Darrell Hicks, age 93, of Fleming Island, FL passed away on March 1, 2024, at Diamond Assisted Living Facility with his loving family by his side. He was born in Jacksonville, FL on July 20, 1930, to the late Gordon O. and Ruth Waldron Hicks. Jimmy was raised in Jacksonville and grew up on the lake. While in school, he met his best friend and forever companion, Evelyn "Jean" Tarlton. They dated for several years until happily marrying on January 1, 1952. Jimmy graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1948 and earned his Associate of Arts degree from the University of Florida. He was passionate about the water, loved swimming, was a Lifeguard at Jacksonville Beach during his teenage years, and swam on a comedy diving team while at the University of Florida. After college, Jimmy joined the United States Air Force and proudly served our country during the Korean War. He was active duty for several years and joined the Air National Guard where he worked in their Accounting and Finance Department for 43 years until his retirement. Jimmy loved being in the air, found great joy as a pilot, and even started the Aero Club at the Air National Guard. He also loved serving and enjoyed his time on the Jax Federal Credit Union Board of Directors and also coaching adult basketball and softball. In the 1990's, Jimmy and Jean moved to the Villages where they resided for over 20 years. Upon leaving The Villages they resided in Gainesville for several years and have spent the last 3 years in Fleming Island. More than anything, Jimmy loved his family and enjoyed spending precious time with them. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Sandra Hicks Fielden.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Evelyn Jean Hicks of Fleming Island, FL; daughters, Donna Hicks (Billy) Cohen of Loganville, GA, Jamie Hicks (Sam) Coons of Fleming Island, FL; grandchildren, Caitlin Cohen (Zeb) Burton, Andrew (Lauren) Cohen, Sam (Katie) Coons IV, Chandler Coons, Wyatt Fielden; great grandchildren, Maverick Burton, Hampton Burton.
A Graveside Celebration of Jimmy's Life will be held on Wednesday, March 6,2024 at 2:30 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery where military honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers to send donations to Vitas Hospice https://vitascommunityconnection.org. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ferreira Funeral Services, 1320 Chaffee Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32221, 904-378-7777.