James "Jim" Edward Hicks

James Edward Hicks of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on February 20, 2026, at 80 years old following a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born to the late Frank J. and Francis Hicks on August 18, 1945, in Atlanta and grew up in Decatur, Georgia. From his early days as an award-winning paper boy through his doctorate degree in aerospace engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Jim displayed a strong work ethic and a true passion for his work. After being in ROTC during school, Jim served his country in the U.S. Army as an engineer. In December 1969 he married his college sweetheart, Nita Elizabeth Norman. He next worked with Westinghouse in Pittsburgh on a nuclear submarine project. Desiring to return to the South, Jim was happy to be asked to be the senior safety engineer at the U.S. Army Safety Center at Fort Rucker. He and Nita moved to Dothan in 1974 and began raising their family together. During his 30-year career, Jim made many cherished lifelong friends and colleagues, including interactions with the highest military leaders in our nation’s capital to advance flight safety standards and design. Still energized to make an impact, he continued working as a consultant in the aviation safety and operations field with Westar/QinetiQ for nearly another decade.

Over the years, Jim brought his sharp intellect and meticulous care to every endeavor. His deep faith and love for his family influenced all he did. In addition to his love of cars (beginning with his 1967 Corvette), he also enjoyed sailing, photography, and tennis.

After a tragic car accident claimed the lives of Nita and their youngest daughter Erin in 2003, Jim saw the world and his need for God with different eyes. Inspired by his ever-deepening relationship with God, Jim found joyful purpose in community service and spiritual discipleship. Through Covenant Methodist Church, he helped establish and direct the Home Improvement Ministry, building scores of handicap-accessible ramps for people in need. Having witnessed through this ministry the challenging circumstances of so many, he approached then-Director of SARCOA Robert Crowder to start the Santa for Seniors program, which grew under Jim’s leadership to several hundred recipients and continues to benefit elderly residents throughout seven counties.

Jim dedicated himself to the Early Risers Men’s Bible Study at Covenant where his love for God’s Word fueled in-depth analysis of Scripture each week with men who became loyal friends united in Christ. He also faithfully participated in person and online in the Men’s Bible Study at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. In addition, having been trained as a Stephen Minister, Jim pursued his passion for helping people suffering difficulties from loss by establishing and eventually leading Covenant’s Grief Support Ministry for the past 20 years. In October 2008 he married Leslie Harkins Hall, who worked by his side as they supported these ministries together.

Even-tempered and kind, Jim exuded gratitude, allowing the joy of the Lord to be his strength. He loved his family with deep devotion, enjoying travels and ministry with his cherished wife, Leslie, and supporting his adored children and grandchildren in their various activities.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nita Norman Hicks, and daughter, Erin Kathleen Hicks. He is survived by his wife, Leslie Harkins Hicks of Dothan; daughter, Amy (Justin) Hardee of Auburn; son, Joshua (Lisa) Hicks of Dothan; stepchildren Meredith (Jimmy) Rich of Dothan, Mason Hall of Huntsville, and Madeline (James) Barfield of Marianna, FL; grandchildren Cooper, Kate, and Abigail Hardee of Auburn, and J.T. and Bennett Barfield of Marianna; siblings Don (Pat) Hicks, Shirley Hayes, and Susan Maslanka; brothers- and sisters-in-law Steve and Hilda Norman, Bill and Lei Norman, Reba Norman, and Jane and Bob Sutton; and many nieces and nephews.

The family greatly appreciates the superior care and kindness Jim received from Dr. Ryan Conner and Dr. Scott McAlister of Dothan, and Dr. Rami Manochakian of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at Covenant Methodist Church in Dothan with the Rev. Kyle Gatlin officiating and a reception following. A private burial ceremony for the family will be held graveside afterwards.

Memorial donations may be made to Covenant Methodist Church for their Grief Support Ministry.