James “Jim” Melvin Hicks Jr., 75, of Normal, formerly of Ottawa and Spring Valley, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 10:00am until 12:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 12:00pm at the funeral home with Pastor Debra Wenger officiating. Cremation rites will be entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home following the service.
Jim was born September 7, 1950 in Ottawa, IL to James and Mabel (Bayer) Hicks Sr. He married Tammy Bertalot on October 26, 1991 in Spring Valley, IL. Jim was an extremely hard worker. For over 50 years he was a Union Laborer, most recently with Local 362. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed camping and fishing in Olney, IL, going for drives to visit friends, and whittling wood. The highlight of his life though were his grandchildren. He loved being a grandpa.
He is survived by his wife, Tammy Hicks; his children, Jody Hall, Jamie (Dena) Hicks, and Ryan (Erica) Hicks; his grandchildren, Mason, Kyle, Jesse, Brianne, Desiree, Chloe, and Brody; his great grandchildren, Harmony, Blue, Opal, Karson, Eli, and Ollie; his special nephew, Jackson Schwarting; his sister, Teenie (Larry) Kiest; and his mother, Mabel Brue.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Hicks Sr. and his step mother, Juanita Hicks.
Memorial contributions in Jim’s honor may be directed to the family.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com