Leland “Jimmy” Gordon Hicks, Jr. was welcomed into his eternal home Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Born to Leland Gordon Hicks, Sr. and Janie Murphy Hicks on January 26, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, his mother gave him the nickname “Jimmy” to which he was known by most throughout his life. Jimmy grew up in Lubbock, Texas, with frequent trips to his grandparents’ farm in Mount Lebanon, Louisiana, where many cherished memories were made. Jimmy graduated from Monterey High School in Lubbock in 1961.
Following his graduation, Jimmy went on to honorably serve in the Vietnam War before returning to Lubbock, Texas. It is here where countless memories were shared about his 1967 yellow Corvette. Jimmy often shared a memory which he described as one of his favorites-that involved taking his mother for a spin in his Corvette. During this drive, Jimmy topped speeds of over 100 mph, which he reported enjoying much more than his mother did.
Along with drag racing, Jimmy would take on many adventures before his greatest one that led him to working for IBM and meeting the love of his life, Jennette. Jimmy and Jennette got married during their lunch break at work on September 9, 1977. Their love story would continue for just short of 49 years- during which they created a beautiful legacy.
During his 25-year tenure at IBM, Jimmy was relocated to Rochester, Minnesota, and Dublin, Ireland. Jimmy did not know a stranger and had the ability to talk anyone’s ear off. This made him friends everywhere he went. His and Jennette’s adventures ultimately led them back to the Hill Country, where they planted their roots for over 20 years on Lake LBJ.
Being the busy body that he was, Jimmy mowed lawns and worked at the Dawg Wash in Burnet. Jimmy was well known throughout Burnet for driving around town in his fully restored 1978 CJ5 Jeep with his brown lab, Dixie. The two were a town fixture, especially during the evening time before returning home for the night. Jimmy made sure that he and Dixie stopped at HEB for her two cans of Vienna sausages- one before the trip home, and one when they got home.
In 2019, Jimmy and Jennette ventured onto a new adventure, moving to the Weatherford area where they found serenity in the 14 acres they shared with their granddaughter Kacie, her husband Kyle and great-granddaughter Everly. Jimmy loved owning acreage and maintaining 5 of the 14 acres that he meticulously cared for, until a year prior to his adventure that led him to his bride welcoming him at Heaven’s Gates, where Jennette had arrived 12 days prior.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Jennette; parents, Leland and Janie; sister, Barbara Hicks Baker; son, Lance; daughter, Stephanie; and several in-laws.
Jimmy is survived by sister, Rosemary Brown; brother-in-law, Bill (Geraldine) Baker; son, Jeff; granddaughters: Kacie (Kyle) Hoagland, Taylor (Harry) Hamrick, Lindsey Dufner, Lauren Dufner, Ashton Pope, and Ty Dufner; and grandsons, Justin (Morgan) Hamrick and Cody Dufner; and chosen grandsons: Reese Syphrett, Calan Syphrett, Creid Bolm, and Rypp Bolm. Jimmy was also survived by great-granddaughters, Everly, Ryleigh, Ella, Iana, and Avery; and great-grandsons: Jaxtyn, Romeo, and his newest great-grandson due to Cody in early 2027. Jimmy’s legacy will also be remembered by surviving nephews, Michael Baker and Bradley (Shanna) Berrien; cherished loved family members (both blood and chosen); and friends from all his countless adventures.
A celebration of life will be held at the Church of the Hills in Lometa, Texas, followed by a graveside ceremony with military honors in San Saba.
A special thank you to the staff of Gentiva Hospice and Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel for their compassionate care of both Jimmy and his family during this difficult time.