James Thomas "Tom" Hicks

James “Tom” Thomas Hicks, 76, of Cleveland, NC, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Liberty Lane Hospice in Salisbury, NC.

Born in Ashland, Ohio on January 15, 1949, he was the son of the late James O. Hicks and Patricia M. Jacobs Cooper.

In addition to his parents, James was also preceded in death by one sister, Kristine A. Bell.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 34 years, Joan White Hicks; daughter, Bonnie E. Butler (Reg Turner); brother, Andy Hicks (Carol) and sister, Susie Kelps (Ron) and his beloved nieces and nephews.

James is further survived by his brother-in-law, Larry White (Kathy) and sisters-in-law, Susie White and Brooke White.

Tom grew up in Salem, Ohio and graduated from Salem High School in 1967. He was proud to say he was “a son, of a son of a veteran.” His father served in WWII and his grandfather served in WWI. When Tom would be thanked for his service, he would always respond by saying “It was an honor”.

In 1967, proudly he entered the USCG and was assigned to the USCG Cutter Bibb stationed in Massachusetts. Tome did a tour of duty in Vietnam on the USCG Cutter Bibb, where he served as a Medical Corpsman and was detached to an infirmary ground unit for medical services, with boots on the ground in country.

After Tom finished his military service, he remained in Massachusetts where he managed and worked at Auto Parts. During this time, he built and raced a SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) car at numerous road courses in the Northeast. While racing Formula V's Open Wheel Cars, he won the Southeastern Regional Championship. Afte the championship win, Tom moved to Florida to continue his SCCA racing.

Everyone knows that Tom loves to celebrate, especially his birthdays. So, it was only fitting that while out celebrating his birthday in January 1986 - in walked Joanie, and their chapter of the story starts.

They continued to live in Florida, trading in race cars for more leisurely boats and trips to the St. John's River. Never to lack excitement, on a trip to the Bahamas, Joanie tapped Tom on the shoulder and asked, “are you speeding?”. He laughed, “No speed limit on the ocean”. Joanie pointed behind them at a really fast approaching boat, “well He's got a blue light, you might want to slow down.” Needless to say, US Customs thought they were drug runners, boarded and searched the vessel! Of course, US Customs found no cause and escorted them into the West Palm Beach docks.

Fast forward to April 1991, Joanie finally agrees to marry him, and he promised to take her back and live in Cleveland, NC. He later lovingly referred to the area as God's country, and he would never live anywhere else. They shared 34 years here.

This move started his career at Freightliner Truck Manufacturing Plant in Cleveland, where he would retire as a painter after 29 years.

Tom became a member of the American Legion, where he joined the Kennedy-Hall Post #106, where he has been a continuous member for 34 years. He has served as Commander twice and held numerous other positions. He served as State District Commander and Division Commander as well as serving on various committees.

New weekend adventures came with RVing in the NC mountains where Joanie managed campgrounds and Tom went up each weekend and vacations to enjoy together and with friends. Thus, he became a pretty decent fisherman.

Always the car enthusiast guy, he restored his 1961 Chevrolet Impala Bubble Top from the ground up into a classic Restromod. This car was his pride and joy and Joanie lovely named her “The Mistress.” He also belonged to the Huligann's Car Club.

Wreath for Veterans organization was Tom's favorite charity and cause to ensure every veteran's grave had a wreath in a National Cemetery at Christmas. If you would like to help ensure this, please consider a memorial in Tom's name to: Wreaths for Veterans c/o Kenney-Hall American Legion 6250 NC Highway 801 Salisbury, NC 28147.

So, after 39 years together, the story ends and Tom telling Joanie “He would walk just beyond the moon and turn and wait for her” when it was time for her to join him.

The procession will meet at American Legion Kennedy-Hall Post 106 at 9:00 AM Tuesday, November 18, 2025, then travel together for a graveside service that will be held at Salisbury National Cemetery on at 10:00 AM conducted by Col. (R) William “Tommy” Steele.

A luncheon will be provided after the service at American Legion Kennedy-Hall Post #106 by the Auxiliary members.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hicks family.