Nick Sikes

William Nick Sikes passed quietly at home on Jan. 21, 2023, surrounded by family. Nick was born on Jan. 7, 1939, to his parents Harry Edward and Sara Elkins Sikes in Hays, KS. Nick was the second of four children. The family moved to Jacksboro, TX, shortly after Nick was born, and this is where he grew up. Nick spent much time hunting and fishing with his father and brothers near and around Possum Kingdom Lake where they owned a fishing cabin. He graduated from Jacksboro High School as Valedictorian of his 1957 class.
Nick attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. While at UT Nick was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Upon graduation, Nick began teaching biology and chemistry at Brazosport High School. During the summers he attended the University of Oklahoma earning his Master of Science degree. He loved teaching but decided to try administration, so became a Middle School Principal in Keller, TX. It was during that time Nick met the love of his life, Marjianne Carlson. They were married on Aug. 23, 1969, in Arlington, TX.
A year later they moved to Austin so that Nick could go back to UT Austin to work on his doctorate. He completed his PhD in Science Education about the time they started their family which included son, Grady, and daughter, Nikki.
Nick was a dedicated educator. After spending 2 years with the Grapevine School District, the family moved to Georgetown where Nick joined the faculty of Southwestern University. He became chair of the education department, served as President of the Texas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and served on state and regional educational committees and evaluation teams. In his honor each year the William Nick Sikes Award is given to an outstanding student teacher for demonstrating commitment to and promotion of teaching and advocacy for children and youth.
Nick wanted to give back to the community and help others. He served on the Georgetown ISD school board and the Georgetown Parks and Recreation Board. In his retirement years, he served 7 years on the Jarrell ISD school board and helped to start a mentor program for the students. He was truly a dedicated educator who promoted "lifelong learning". During his retirement, he also helped out as a driver for the Faith in Action organization for several years.
Nick was a family man first and always found time to support his children. Whether coaching or spectating, you could always find him cheering them on at their events. He also loved to travel, so the family spent their summers making trips to all parts of the United States. After retirement he and Marji traveled extensively. When Nick wasn't traveling, he could often be found on the golf course, volunteering at worthy non-profits, or working in his yard or garden.
Nick was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Martin, and his sister, Rebecca.
Survivors include his wife, Marjianne Sikes; his children, Grady Sikes(Kaye), Nikki Case (Dan); his grandchildren, Cady Starrett (Connor), Ashley Sikes, and Christopher Case; his brother, Robert Sikes (Rebecca); brothers-in-law, Robert Carlson (Vicki), Dennis Carlson (Cathy); several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services for Nick will be Saturday, Feb. 25, at 1:00 PM at Wellspring United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a memorial gift to a non-profit organization of your choosing.