OBIT: James Herbert Hicks

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and True Texas Cowboy

James H. Hicks of Florence, Texas, a proud Texan and friend to many, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, from complications of early-onset dementia. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

James embodied grit, integrity, and wisdom left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.  He leaves behind a rich legacy defined by love of family, loyalty to friends, an endless appetite for Texas history, a deep affection for winding country roads, and a cowboy spirit that never wavered.

James was born in Port Neches, Texas, the fourth of five children of Roy and Inez Hicks. A descendant of a long line of carpenters, he grew up in Nederland, Texas, and graduated from Nederland High School in 1972. A Southeast Texas boy through and through, James—affectionately known as “Bubba” to close friends and family—spent his youth playing baseball and football, nurturing his cowboy spirit, and raising his own herd of cattle. He attended Lamar University on scholarship, but soon realized his passion for hard work outweighed his interest in classroom life—or the pool hall.

In search of broader horizons, James’ adventurous spirit took him first to Houston then to Dallas, and finally onward to settle in Central Texas, where he invested in and developed real estate properties in several areas including Cedar Park, Austin, Pflugerville, Liberty Hill, Burnet and Bee Cave.  He was active in his community, serving on the Texas Sesquicentennial Committee and the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce.

James’ dedication to his children was unwavering. He served as a Scoutmaster, baseball, soccer and kickball coach, 4H Leader, theatre, dance and music supporter, as well as “homeroom mom.” He always put family first, participating in and/or attending almost every event or performance the children were involved in, no matter when or where.

James and wife Lynda participated in Dog Sports raising and training their Afghan Hounds, guiding them to many national and international titles and building lifelong friendships along the way. Their Suni Kennels is known worldwide, and recognized by AKC as a Silver Breeder of Merit.  James participated in, and often chaired local and National dog events, held several offices in local all-breed and Afghan Hound clubs, and was honored to be selected for and serve as the President of the National Afghan Hound Club of America.  

In 1995, James fulfilled his lifelong dream when he and Lynda purchased the Double H Ranch in Florence, Texas—a place where James found peace, purpose, and profound happiness, and where he thoroughly enjoyed Cowboying - raising his Limousine cattle.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Lynda Hicks of Florence, Texas; children, Cameron Hicks and wife Missy Pollard of Bryan, Texas , Josh Hicks and wife Lori of Burnet, Texas, Krystin Hicks and partner Matt Lance of W. Townsend, MA.; four grandchildren, Ella, Addison, Anna Belle, and Jeremy; three sisters, Benita Smith of Port Arthur, Texas, Marion Tanner and husband Lyle of Port Neches, Texas, and Myra Hicks of Houston, Texas; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Pat Hicks, and his brother-in-law Forrest Weaver.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.