FT. PIERRE, SD – James Mathew Hicks (his Lakota name is Thoka Akiphe/Strikes the Enemy) was surrounded by his loving family and friends when he passed away peacefully in his home on November 8, 2024. An overnight wake will begin at 5:00pm, Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the James and Tara Hicks home at 21210 288th Avenue, Fort Pierre, SD. A Wake Fellowship Dinner will be shared at 5:30pm, followed by a Prayer Service at 6:30pm. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am, Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Fort Pierre Congregational Church with interment following at Scotty Philip Cemetery.

James was born to Gary N. Hicks and Dena R. Harmon on February 22, 1976 in Chamberlain, South Dakota. He and his sister Tanya grew up between Lower Brule and Fort Pierre, SD. He graduated from Stanley County High School where he met so many of his life long friends. James remained in Stanley County after graduation where he worked construction, ranching, and operating heavy equipment. He built his life and raised his family there and chose to spend his free time ranching with his Grandpa Orville and Uncle Jim Hicks and mechanicing and running horses with his Grandpa Kenny Harmon

He was united in marriage to Tara Jo (Shonrock) Hicks on August 7, 1993 in Pierre, SD. They made their home and raised their children Weston and Matiah on a small piece of his Grandpa Orville and Grandma Dee’s ranch on the Bad River, south of Fort Pierre, where they were fortunate enough to have a few good horses and dogs.

James is survived by his wife Tara Hicks, son Weston Hicks and granddaughter Paisley, daughter Matiah (Wyatt) Weber, sister Tanya (Emil) Hicks and nephews EJ, Sydney, and Maverick and nieces Marilyn, Charlotte and Rosemary of South Dakota, brother Weston (Marylou) Harmon and children, brother Sidney and niece Louise and nephew Dillon of Canada, brother Elijah Hicks of Arizona, brother McKenzie (Kersi) Vosberg and nieces Payton, Riley, and Lexi of South Dakota, brother Jorgen (Kim) Vosberg and nephew Owen of South Dakota, brother Joshua Vosberg of Minnesota, brother Ryker Vosberg of Minnesota, father Gary (Debbie) Hicks of Arizona, mother Dena (Kelly) Harmon of South Dakota and too many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews to list. He was preceded in death by his grandson Olly Hicks, nephew Jackson Vetch, niece Trinity Hicks-Tubbs, grandparents Orville and Dee Hicks and Kenny and Marilyn Harmon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Pennies for Robert program at 415 S Crow Street, Pierre, SD 57501.

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