James Norris Hicks

James Norris Hicks On Tuesday November 3, 2015 James Norris Hicks (Jim), 63 of Hudson, lost his courageous five year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Jim died at Hospice, where he had been a resident in palliative care, surrounded by his loving family, friends, and care givers. Born June 26, 1952 in Watauga County, he was the son of the late Robert Frank Hicks and surviving Mildred Faye Norris Hicks. Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathryn H. Hicks; son David J. Hicks (wife Margie S. Hicks) of Conover; and grandchildren Hatley N. Hicks and Hailey R. Hicks. He is also survived by his mother Mildred Faye Norris Hicks of Lenoir; sister Deby H. Kincaid (husband Bill Kincaid) of Granite Falls; sister Connie H. Teff of Lenoir; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. After graduating from Catawba Valley Community College, Jim embarked on a 35 year career as a commercial pump sales engineer, where his love of people and his passion for custom service quickly made him one of the most sought after representatives in the business. With a curiosity for engineering, high standards for quality, and a great sense of determination and ingenuity, Jim also enjoyed many personal accomplishments. He was a firm believer that you can do anything yourself, if you only have the right equipment. Jim was a man who always put others first. His love for family and friends was clearly evident by the time he spent sharing his love of the outdoors while boating, motorcycle riding, and relaxing at the beach with his family, but especially while farming with his father-in-law. Even as he struggled with the severe limitations of PSP, Jim's love and dedication to family drove him to attend every special family event, including his grandson’s ball games and his granddaughter's gymnastic competitions. The family would like to thank all Jim's dear friends, care givers, and Hospice but especially Lora Cobb for her endless pursuit to improve the quality of Jim’s life throughout his illness. A memorial service will be held for Jim at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hudson at 3:00 pm on Saturday November 7, 2015 with Rev. Ann Kelly officiating. The family will receive friends at the church at 2:00 pm, in the Church Fellowship hall, preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts / donations may be given to Caldwell Hospice at www.caldwellhospice.org or CurePSP at www.psp.org Evans Funeral Service and Crematory of Lenoir will be serving the Hicks Family.