James Lloyd Wicks Sr. entered this world on October 7, 1949, in Van Fleet, MS as the son of Ezell and Modess Wicks. He accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of New Zion M.B. Church. His family instilled in him core values and the importance of a good education at a very young age.

He's a 1968 graduate of R.E. Hunt High School. After graduation, he enrolled in Tugaloo College near Jackson Mississippi where he met and fell in love with his wife Vicky. They were united in marriage in 1969. James and Vicky were married for 53 years and to this union they were blessed with 2 sons, James L. Wicks, Jr. and Derek A Wicks. They settled in Jackson Ms.

James later continued his education at Jackson State University as a biology major where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree. James's journey in education started as a teacher with the Head Start program in Jackson. He immediately enrolled his two sons, Jimi and Derek, in the Head Start Program and took them to school with him every day. He later started teaching high school biology for the Hinds County School District where he taught for several years. There were many journeys as husband and father which helped the family make the decision to move to Los Angeles, California for other opportunities accessible to the family as a whole.

California is where James's bright light really began to shine for his love of education. His knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, and the Sciences enabled him to rise to the top of his profession. He developed a reputation as an expert in his field. He received a Master's Degree from California State University Los Angeles. James had a special yearning for education in the field of science. He believed every student could thrive in this field if they were provided with a teacher who taught them to believe in themselves.

He went on to achieve one of the highest honors as a high school science teacher by being one of only five teachers in the country to become National Board Certified in Science in 2002.

He was one of only a few teachers in the Los Angeles School District who was a consultant for, "It's About Time Publishing Company" based in Boston, Massachusetts. This company helped create books to integrate the five categories of Science into one book with the potential to be adopted by the Los Angeles School District. James teamed with the head of the Science Department at Cal State LA and traveled all over the United States to several Universities conducting Science Workshops for High School Science Teachers.

His hobbies included:
.Reading Science Books.
.Gardening - Plants, Flowers, Fruits and Vegetables
.Indoor Hydroponics Gardening
.Going to Major League baseball games
.Making the garage into his man cave

On November 3rd, the Lord called James home. He faced his illness head on as he did his life; with strength and dignity.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Ezell N. Wicks, Sr. and Modess J. Wicks. Three brothers, Bobby F. Wicks (his twin), Ezell N. Wicks, Jr., and Hubert S Wicks. One grandson: Derek Demaje Wicks.

James's memories will forever be cherished by his loving wife , Sharon Vicky Wicks, his sons: James Lloyd Wicks, Jr., Derek Anthony Wicks; his grandchildren: Ha'Tina White, Jaliyah Zayalie Rutledge, Jordan Dell Wicks, Ezelle Iverson Wicks, Anaya Brizell Wicks, Jadin Tyler Wicks: his great-grandchildren: Derek Wicks, Jr., Anita White, Anthony White, Namiko Wicks; his siblings: George M. Wicks, Sr., Livian J. Wicks-Stovall (John), Charles E. Wicks, Sharon G. Murray(Willie); and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Carter's Funeral Services is inviting you to a scheduled livestream for the  Homegoing Celebration for Mr. James L. Wicks, Sr.
on Saturday, Dec 9, 2023 11:00 AM CST.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2061604094?pwd=5hKBLbt1GETr1roA0NKfvG2PO78gCk.1&omn=81602093842

Meeting ID: 206 160 4094
Passcode: carters