James "JW" William Hicks

James W. "JW" Hicks, 95, of Fresno passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side on October 15, 2026 at Genesis Coshocton Medical Center. He was born in Boone, Watauga County, North Carolina on August 4, 1931 to the late Ernest and Gladys (Setzer) Hicks.

JW graduated from Fresno High School and then proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean war from 1952 - 1956 being stationed in Germany.

He married his wife, E. Marleen (Sharples) Hicks on June 4, 1954, she passed away in 2019.

JW is survived by his daughter Diane (Tom) Dean of Fresno; son-in-law John Matchett of West Lafayette; special grandson Wade Matchett; special great granddaughter Madison (Tanabat) Dean; great great granddaughter Momo; granddaughter Heather (Tom) Maust; great grandchildren Zack and Hanna; granddaughter in law Missy Dean; step great grandchildren Tyler and Chelsea; siblings Roby (Ruth) Hicks, Faye Honabarger, Tom (Beverly) Hicks, and Louise Lautenschleger; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his infant son and infant daughter; daughter Becky Matchett; grandson Michael J. Dean; siblings Forrest (Mary) Hicks, Amy (James) Haynes, Earnestine (Roger) Miller, Helen (Dan) Moody, Pete (Marjene) Hicks, Ed Honabarger, Richard Lautenschleger, and Marie Hicks.

Friends may call at The Miller Funeral Home, 639 Main St., Coshocton on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 11:00am - 1:00pm with funeral services beginning at 1:00pm with Pastor Dan Eggan officiating. 

Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery where the Coshocton County Veterans Council will be performing military honors.