James passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at Goldfinch Estates in Fairmont, Minn. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

James Wallace Hickcox was born June 15, 1932, in Huron, South Dakota, to Wallis and Erva (Heiny) Hickcox. He grew up in Huron, Brookings and DeSmet, S.D., graduating from DeSmet High School in 1951.

Jim served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 through 1956. During the course of his service, he was stationed in Texas, South Dakota, Alaska and Guam. At the completion of his military service Jim returned to Huron and attended Huron College. During this time, he met Elaine Charlotte Dietz. They were united in marriage at Huron Church of Christ on Sept. 15, 1957.

They moved to Great Falls, Mont., where Jim was employed by General Mills. They moved to Fairmont, Minn. in 1958 where he was employed by Gilmore Glass Company, and later by 7-Up Bottling Company. In 1972 he took a job with the City of Fairmont-Parks Department where he worked until his retirement in 1998. Jim took pride in Fairmont’s many beautiful parks and after his retirement frequently commented on how nice the parks looked.

Jim loved the Lord and was a long-time member of the Fairmont Christian Church. He taught Sunday School, helped with youth groups, was involved in Bible studies, and served as deacon and member of the church board. He also volunteered for many church maintenance projects and delivered Meals on Wheels.

Jim enjoyed reading, history, visiting historic sites, attending air shows and reading about and viewing military airplanes. He enjoyed listening to music and attending concerts. He especially enjoyed the Fairmont Summer Band Concerts.

He most loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed celebrating holidays and birthdays and attending as many activities of his grandchildren as possible – always telling them how proud he was of them. He loved animals and especially enjoyed spending time with the family “granddogs.”

Jim is survived by his children and their spouses, Karen (Darwin) Spiegeler of Annandale, Minn., Sandra (Tom) Hughes of St. Francis, Minn. and Greg (Kim) Hickcox of Lindstrom, Minn.; grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Scheidecker, Jordan Hickcox, Erik (Marlena) Spiegeler, Ethan Hickcox and Arran Hickcox; and great-grandchildren, Jack Spiegeler and Eliza Hickcox.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife of 64 years, Elaine.

Jim’s family would like to extend a special thanks to all the staff at Goldfinch Estates for their wonderful care of their dad. Special thanks as well to Spirit Lake, Iowa VA and Mayo Clinic Hospice.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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