James Clifford Hicks

James (Jim) Clifford Hicks of Boise passed away from a sudden stroke on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the age of 82.

Jim was born November 13, 1942, to D. Loren and Jewell Hicks in Ontario, Oregon. After spending two years living in Payette, Idaho, the Hicks family moved to Boise so Loren could continue his career with the Boise Schools. Jim’s mom, Jewell, spent her life as a homemaker, raising two boys, Jim and his brother Stan. Jim attended Boise schools, graduating from Boise High in 1960.

After attending Boise Junior College for two years, Jim moved to Seattle, Washington and practiced architecture. There he met his first wife, Lois Pierson; they later moved to Boise. After completing his degree in education at Boise College in 1969, he began his teaching career in Boise where he spent 32 years in the Boise School District at Collister Elementary and Jackson Elementary, teaching sixth grade and coaching all sports to the elementary students.

During the early years of his career, daughters Karen Hicks and Janet Hicks Beaton were born.

In 1989, Jim married Jolayne Merritt. Along with Jolayne, came her three children, Tracy, Tom, and Sean. Jim and Jolayne had many good years and adventures together, riding motorcycles and traveling in their motorhome.

After an illustrious career in Boise, Jim retired from teaching in 2000. In retirement, Jim took up golf. He joined his brother Stan and a group of friends (mostly educators) and continued playing up until a few days before his passing.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jolayne; brother Stan (Marla) Hicks, daughter, Karen (Sorin) Hicks; daughter, Janet (Robert) Beaton; daughter, Tracy Merritt; son, Sean Merritt; granddaughter, Katie (Ted) Duman; grandson, Jordan (Emma) Merritt; grandson, Jeffrey Merritt; granddaughter, Carissa Nelson; grandson, Andrew Beaton; and granddaughter, Jennifer Beaton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, D. Loren and Jewell Hicks; and son, Tom Merritt.

We would like to express thanks to St Lukes Meridian ICU staff.