James Hicks was born in Birmingham, AL on January 20,1939 to Mattie & Willie L. Hicks. He moved to Akron, Ohio at an early age and attended Goodrich Grade School. He later graduated

from Garfield High School in 1956. After high school, James enlisted in the United States Army in which he excelled at being al skilled "Sharp Shooter" (rifle), "Master Navigator" and received an honorable discharge. He was a hard worker who held several jobs. James ended his working tenure and gratefully retired from General Motors after 30 years of service. Jimmy started bowling and joined the TNBA in 1964. He was an avid bowler. He obtained a high average of 206, high series of 768 and high game of 300. James Hicks proudly held over 49 years of bowling experience. Through his passion, dedication, service, and promotion of bowling he organized the Hustler Bowling Club, coached the Buchtel High School Girls Bowling Team, was the head coach of the Akron Senate Junior Bowlers, and he created the Janet Jones Scholarship

Program for the Akron Senate Junior Bowlers Program. Jimmy's active involvement led him to be appointed as Central Region Field Representative. He chartered Anderson, IN., Mansfield, OH., and Canton, OH. He reorganized Pittsburgh, PA., Muskegon, MI., Omaha, NE., and Fort Wayne, IN. In 1973, Jimmy received many awards and accolades for the game of bowling. He was crowned National King of the TNBA. In 1994, He was awarded TNBA Senate President of the Year. In 1998, He was awarded TNBA Life Membership and the National Traveling Bowling League Life Membership. In 2001 He received the Joe Blue Award and was elected to the Tri-County A B C Hall of Fame. In 2007, He was awarded the TNBA Field Representative of the Year and awarded Outstanding Male Citizen by Akron Black Women's Leadership Caucus. In 2009, He received a Most for Bowling award from G.A.D.B.C. He also received the Hall of Fame Meritorious Service Award from TNBA and the Game Changer award from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Akron Alumnae Chapter and the list continues. James Hicks was truly the king of the game. Jimmy was a long-time member of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Trustee and organized a walk-a-thon for the church. Jimmy loved his family and staying united was very important to him.

James was preceded in death by his mother Mattie Hicks Cain and his father Willie L. Hicks; sisters: Cammie Rush, Annie Ruth Robinson, and Geraldine Green. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of many years, Patricia Hicks, sons: Dirrick (Toni) Hicks of Lithonia, GA and William (Shawnne) McWain Sr. of Akron, OH. Siblings: Marie (Charles) Myrick of Copley, OH; Richard (Beverly) Cain of Mulga, AL., Patricia Cain-Mitchell and Lynnette Mazes of Yucaipa, CA., Carl (Demitri) Cain of Buena Park, CA, Eddie (JaWanda) James Jackson of Birmingham, AL., and Edward (Ann) Davis of Cleveland, OH. Grandchildren: Dominique Grant of Akron, OH., Nia Hicks and Nadia Hicks of Lithonia, GA., Brelinda (Robert) Greer, William (Marlesa) McWain Jr., Tramontay McWain, and Cheyviante' McWain Sr. all of Akron, Ohio. Special friends: Mack Stephens, Bethel Poole, Darrell Parnell and James Ray all of Akron, OH. And a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.