JAMES G. HICKS, LT, USN
James Hicks '67
Lucky Bag
From the 1967 Lucky Bag:
JAMES GRAYSON HICKS
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is possibly the largest beach in the world, "Hucks" was well prepared for the Naval Service. After a tough plebe summer, Jim was well received by the "Friendly 14th". Youngster Year found Jim doing his best to make up for his relatively dragless Plebe Year, in fact he dragged everything except the kitchen sink. Although a permanent fixture on the Superintendent's List, Jim was never in danger of being accused of overdevotion to studies. Although devoted to his "pad" Hucks did manage to break away frequently to support company athletics. Seeing a service career in his future, his ready smile and easy-going attitude conceal his perseverance and desire to excel. These attributes can only bring him a successful career.
JAMES GRAYSON HICKS
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is possibly the largest beach in the world, "Hucks" was well prepared for the Naval Service. After a tough plebe summer, Jim was well received by the "Friendly 14th". Youngster Year found Jim doing his best to make up for his relatively dragless Plebe Year, in fact he dragged everything except the kitchen sink. Although a permanent fixture on the Superintendent's List, Jim was never in danger of being accused of overdevotion to studies. Although devoted to his "pad" Hucks did manage to break away frequently to support company athletics. Seeing a service career in his future, his ready smile and easy-going attitude conceal his perseverance and desire to excel. These attributes can only bring him a successful career.
Loss
James was lost on September 30, 1971 whne the A-7E Corsair II he was piloting crashed into the sea near Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Philippines. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 97, operating from USS Enterprise (CVN 65); they were en route to Vietnam.
Other Information
From the January 1972 issue of Shipmate in the Class of 1967 column:
September 30 we lost one of the most talented and respected men I have ever known. Jim Hicks died in an aircraft accident while flying his A-7E from Enterprise which is presently serving in West Pac.
Jim was to have completed his second cruise with VA-97 in October and had orders to report to Patuxent Naval Test Center in preparation for his attending the British Empire Test School.
For all those who knew Jim, he was a gentle, quiet, resourceful man, whose capability seemed unlimited as did his energy.
Jim's wife, Charlotte, and her two children will be living with Jim's parents in … Albuquerque, NM.
He graduated from the Light Attack Weapons School at China Lake in 1970.
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:
Following graduation, Jim remained at the Academy to train the incoming plebe class (’71) in YPs. He reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training in September 1967. He stood #1 in every phase of his flight training. After earning his wings he was assigned to A -7s in Lemoore, CA prior to completing legal officer training in Newport, RI.
Following RAG training in Lemoore, he was assigned to the VA-97 Warhawks and made a combat cruise on the Constellation. While on a 2nd combat cruise on the Enterprise, he was selected for training at the British Empire Test Pilot School. As the top junior officer in his squadron, he was within a week of leaving the squadron when he lost his life in an aircraft accident at sea on September 30, 1971.
Jim’s body was not recovered and his name is inscribed in Memorial Hall and on the “Bodies Not Returned” monument at the USNA Cemetery.
Jim married Charlotte Curlett, who he met June Week, Plebe Year. They were married in the Navy Chapel on November 23, 1967. Jim and Charlotte welcomed Kerry in 1968 and James Grayson II (Grayson) in 1971. Kerry graduated from UC Santa Barbara and is married and living in San Francisco. Grayson graduated from Syracuse University, is married and lives in Washington, DC. Charlotte subsequently married our Class President, Dave Church who was a widower.
One of our classmates had the following comments to make about the death of Jim: “For all those who knew Jim, he was a gentle, quiet, resourceful man, whose capability seemed unlimited as did his energy”.
We, his classmates and companymates, remember him as a fun-loving “20th Company Bagger” who was “all-in” academically and athletically at school. We miss him and know that he will be watching over us as we gather for our 50th Reunion.
Jim has one memory marker in New Mexico and another at Arlington National Cemetery.
Photographs
Photo courtesy of William Belden '67
Related Articles
James Wickes '67 was also in 20th Company.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
