James Blaine Hickman

James Blaine Hickman, a resident of Cleveland was born January 3, 1916 in Wellsville, Ohio to John Edward and Sylvia E. (Merces) Hickman. James moved to Cleveland as a young child. He graduated from Cleveland High School and then went on to attend the Draughon Business College in Tulsa for two years. After James graduated he moved to California and began working for LA Young Wire and Spring Corporation. James entered the United States Army on July 9, 1942. During his time James served in Europe with the 185th Engineer Combat Battalion. On October 24, 1945 James received his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army. During his time spent in the military he received the following medals: Good Conduct Medal, EAME Ribbon with Three Bronze Service Stars. Upon his return he worked in the oil field for a short time then moved to Ponca City where he gained employment with Conoco. James was employed with Conoco for over 30 years when he retired in 1977. On January 13, 1996 James was united in marriage to Helen Louise (Russell) in Cleveland, Oklahoma. When James had spare time he loved to fishing, playing board games as well as cooking.

James passed away December 4, 2002 at Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 86 years 11 months and 1 day. He was preceded in death by both parents, his siblings that are twin girls as infants; three other siblings all at the age of three, and his first wife Elsie in June of 1990.

Survived by his wife, Helen Hickman, of the home; daughter Vera Marie and husband Kenneth Blanton of Glendale, Arizona; brother Keith and wife Edna Hickman of Medora, Illinois; stepchildren, Gail Duckworth of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Stephen Young of Cushing, Oklahoma; Roy and wife Teresa Young of Cleveland, Oklahoma; Robert and wife Becky Young of Cleveland, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, 3 step great great Grandchildren as well as many other relatives and friends.

Services will be held Friday, December 6, 2002 at 10:00 am at Western Heights Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Harrel Jones and Rev. David Head. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.