MARCH 31ST, 1955 – OCTOBER 2ND, 2026
In the Care of Garrison Funeral Home
James Randall Hickman, born March 31, 1955, in Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home in Garrison, Texas, on October 2, 2026.
James was preceded in death by his father, H.W. Hickman; his mother, Mary R. Allen-Hickman; his son, Joseph Hickman; and his grandson, Jayson Hickman.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mylia Hickman; his children, Heather and Troy West, Emmanuel “Romeo” Romero, Courtney Bertrand, Justin Hickman, Rachel Davis, Brittany and Drew Puchot, and Heagan and Derek Bass; his sisters, Deborah and Ricky Tallant and Joann Oden; and his brother, Steve Hickman.
James was a devoted grandfather to 30 grandchildren and a proud great-grandfather to five great-grandbabies, all of whom brought tremendous joy to his life. Hand in hand with his wife of 26 years, James and Mylia shared the kind of love that could start a war and end the war in the same day a love that was undeniable and became the foundation of the beautiful blended family they built together.
James learned the value of hard work at an early age. At just 15 years old, he began working as a gas station attendant in Rainsville, Alabama. He later graduated from Plainview High School in 1972.
In 1976, James answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. He served as a 63H Engineer Equipment Repairman, entering the Army through Fort Gordon, Georgia, and completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After four years of service, James received an honorable discharge in 1980.
Following his military service, James began a career as a machinist with Gulf Coast Offshore, where he worked until his retirement. He later joined Garrison Independent School District, continuing his commitment to hard work and service to others. After many dedicated years with the district, he retired as Transportation Director.
James was happiest when he was outdoors and working with his hands. He enjoyed gardening, bush-hogging, working the land, raising cows and emus, and caring for the farm he loved. Even after retirement, James continued serving his community, always willing to lend a hand with handyman repairs or help someone in need.
More than the work itself, James treasured the opportunity to pass along what he knew to his grandchildren and to the children of his community. He taught them the meaning of hard work, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the rewards of caring for the land. Whether he was teaching them to work outdoors, taking them fishing, or simply sharing a story, James valued every opportunity to pass his knowledge and life lessons on to the next generation.
James also shared his experience and talents with the Venetia’s Studio dance family, helping with prop setup, building, and design. He opened his heart and his home to them, becoming affectionately known as “Papa” to many more than just his own family.
At the center of James’s life was his faith. He was a godly man who loved the Lord deeply. He loved reading his Bible, talking about Jesus, and sharing his faith with those around him. His relationship with God was not simply something he spoke about it was something he carried with him throughout his life and especially during some of his most difficult days.
That faith became an incredible source of strength throughout James’s battle with cancer. His journey was not an easy one, but he faced it with remarkable courage, strength, and determination. Through treatments, difficult days, pain, and uncertainty, James continued to fight. He endured far more than many could have imagined, yet his strength never ceased to amaze those who loved him.
Cancer may have weakened his body, but it never took away the man he was, the love he had for his family, or the faith he carried in his heart. He fought hard and gave his family more precious time with him than they ever could have asked for. Those extra days, conversations, memories, and moments together will forever be treasured.
In his final season of life, the faith James had spoken about for so many years became the promise his family could hold onto. While saying goodbye has left an immeasurable emptiness, there is comfort in knowing that the Jesus James loved and talked about throughout his life was there to welcome him home. His battle with cancer is over, his pain is gone, and his family finds peace in knowing he is now healed and resting in the presence of his Savior.
Family was at the heart of James’s life. Few things brought him greater happiness than having his grandchildren together, especially during the holidays. The laughter, stories, and time spent surrounded by his family always brought a smile to his face.
James leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, service, strength, hard work, family, and love. His life was measured not simply by the years he lived, but by the people he loved, the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the faith he passed on.
The memories he created and the wisdom he shared will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many others who were blessed to call him “Papa.”
He fought the good fight. He finished his race. He kept the faith.
James was deeply loved, will be greatly missed, and will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.
Papa, thank you for being my hero. Please watch over me and my babies. Until we meet again, we love you forever!
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Randall Hickman, please Garrison Funeral Home’s floral store.