James Edward Hicks
James Edward Hicks, Sr., 81, of Madison Heights, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025.
Born on January 5, 1944, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Angell L. Hicks and Myrlle P. Hicks. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Lee Hicks.
Jim was a graduate of Richmond Professional Institute, later Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned a degree in Commercial Art and Design. In 1987 he earned a Master of Arts, Human Resources in Management/Personnel Administration, from Lynchburg College.
After graduation, he taught at Pleasant View Elementary School in Amherst County, nurturing a lifelong passion for education and equal opportunity.
In 1969 Jim began what would become a long and successful career with Babcock & Wilcox, later continuing through its transitions to Areva. He retired as VP and Chief Administrative Officer in 2000. He returned as VP, Business Integration, until his final retirement in 2011. From 2007 to 2013, he worked part-time for Waterson and Associates, where he found deep fulfillment in executive coaching and recruitment.
Jim was a devoted community member who served on numerous boards and committees, including Meals on Wheels, the Amherst County Museum and Historical Society, the Lynchburg Academy Center of the Arts, and Bethany United Methodist Church. He also served one term as Chair of the Amherst County Board of Supervisors.
After retirement, Jim, a talented artist, began painting again. Some of his works were featured at regional art shows and in local shops in Richmond, and he created several works on commission.
He was also an avid antique collector and enjoyed weekend trips to Pennsylvania with one of his closest friends.
Above all, Jim treasured time with his family. Annual vacations to Cherry Grove and Hilton Head with his children and grandchildren were highlights.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Cynthia W. Hicks; his three children, Anne-Windsor Wimer (Bill), James “Corby” Hicks, Jr. (Colleen), and Ashley Weisleder (Devin); six grandchildren, Alex Wimer (Courtney Hubble), Ben Wimer (Abby Zeugner), Lachlan Hicks, Ford Weisleder, Adeline Hicks, and Elin Weisleder; and two great-grandchildren, Colin and Liam Wimer.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 3:00-6:00 pm at Oakwood Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Lynchburg Meals on Wheels or the Amherst County Museum and Historical Society, in honor of Jim’s life and legacy.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Westminster Canterbury and Westminster Hospice for their exceptional care, as well as to Jim’s dedicated caregivers, who brought him and Jim’s family much comfort in his final days.
