Jim Hicks, 83, founder of Jim Hicks and Co., Brea, Calif., passed away on Sept. 13. He was born on Aug. 9, 1939, and was a graduate of Purdue University in 1961. He started his ag career working for Chevron immediately after graduating and was transferred to California in 1968. Later, he started Western Ag Supply with a partner in 1975. Hicks eventually went off on his own and started Jim Hicks and Co. in 1983.
Hicks retired in 2015, but continued as a Board member for Ag in The Classroom and started endowments for agricultural scholarships at Purdue University, Cal Poly Pomona, and University of Arizona. He was a strong supporter of the Western Plant Health Association for over 40 years.
Hicks is survived by his wife, Neta; four children, Pat, Grady, Steve, and Jennifer; and daughter-in-law Marlene. A celebration of life is being planned in the near future.