John W. Hicks

This world is a little less today-clear skies and smooth tailwinds, Farewell and Godspeed John W. Hicks.
January 29, 1935-November 1, 2013.

John attended Dexter High School, SUNY Canton and Cornell University. After Cornell, and getting his start at Hardie Farms, John settled in the Lansing area building a successful dairy farming operation for over 40 years; Jo-Syl-Hi Farms. John along with his son, Scott, developed Hickory Knoll on Waterwagon Road. Starting his second act retiring from dairy farming, he converted the farm to East Shore Storage and acquired the Fall Creek Laundromat. He was actively involved in several diverse interests: capping his 50+ year association with his agriculture fraternity-President of the Board of Directors of Alpha Gamma Rho, all things aviation-an avid aircraft owner and pilot, collecting and restoring antique tractors, particularly John Deere, Big Band and Dixieland Jazz festivals, not to mention snowmobiling in the Adirondacks on the north side of 75 years old and his most recent interest of seven years, boating on Cayuga Lake. A man of uncompromising character, John took great pride and satisfaction in all his accomplishments.

Marrying his best friend, Dolores Edick Puit, in 2000, they traveled extensively making many new friends on cruises, at Jazz festivals and air shows throughout the United States, Alaska, Canada and the Caribbean. He lived his maxim: "It only costs 10% more to go first class!"
Yearly, friends and neighbors looked forward to John and Dee planting sunflowers-for any and all to enjoy and pick. Dee plans to continue the tradition.
John is predeceased by his parents, Carlton Hicks and Ruth Hicks Morin, and his step-father Ernest Morin of Dexter, N.Y.
John is survived by his wife, Dolores Hicks; his son, John Scott Hicks (Diane Kinne); his step-daughter, Therese Judson (Philip); his step-son, Glenn Puit; his sister, Jean Novotny (Joe). John is also survived by nine grandchildren: Chelsea, Casey & Tristen Judson, Garrison, Glenn & Gracie Puit, and Tyler, Justin & Ryan Beebe. A devoted animal lover John was seldom seen without his beloved German Shepherds-Toby, Molly and Archer.

John and Dee want to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Charles Garbo, his associate oncologists and the entire staff, especially the chemo nurses with a special note to Bev, Jen, Kat, Jodessa, Robin, Debra and Diane. The exceptional care received from the nurses, aides and doctors of 4 North and ICU at Cayuga Medical Center is simply without equal.

Calling Hours are Thursday, November 7th, 4:30-7:00 PM at Bangs Funeral Home. A celebration of John's life will be held Friday, November 8th, 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's memory to SPCA of Tompkins County, 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Cancer Resource Center, Care of Bob Riter, 812 State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.