Mr James Kenneth Hicks
THE funeral of James Kenneth Hicks, who died, aged 82, on Sunday, December 16, took place yesterday (Thursday) at St James’s Church, Ryde, where for many years he was an active member.
Mr Hicks, who was also known as Jim, came from a long-established Island family and was brought up at Seaview.
At the age of 18, he joined the Royal Air Force and served in the UK, Singapore and Malaya during the Malayan Emergency as an RAF policeman.
He was a good all-round sportsman — for several years he captained a Seaview football team, was a keen cricketer with Ryde Casuals and a successful tennis player, with Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
As a supporter of the natural environment, Mr Hicks took an active interest in wildlife on the IW and also supported the Island’s red squirrel project.
For some time, Mr Hicks took part in the rehabilitation of young potential offenders, acting as a mediator between their families and the police.
As a member of the Military History Society, he also had a good knowledge of many of the Island’s wartime events.
His wife, Renee, died in 1985.
He later enjoyed many years of devoted companionship with good friend Beryl Wright, who is also a member of St James’s Church.