James Hicks, 87, of Bluffton died at 4:40 a.m. June 12, 2012, at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born Aug. 1, 1924, in Alger to Joseph and Myrtle (Risner) Hicks. On Feb. 8, 1950, he married Gloria June Sechler and she survives.

He served as deputy sheriff under the Clay Cotterman and Edward Fair administrations of the Allen County Sheriff's Office. He joined the Bluffton Police Department in 1968 where he served as a police chief in 1974 and from 1977 until 1987.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Bluffton, American Legion Post #382, Bluffton and Fraternal Order of Police. He was a Naval Veteran of World War II.

Survivors also include two sons Michael J. (Robin) Hicks of Bluffton, John (Jane) Hicks of Arlington; a daughter Ruth Hicks of Lima; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a brother Robert (Donna) Hicks of Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Connie Jean Hicks and two brothers, Richard and Russell Hicks.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton. Rev. Bryant Miller officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery with Law Enforcement honor guard and rites.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita's Medical Center.
Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.