Not a greater man I've known. Most grateful for all of our talks. We spent a lot of time together over 2022. Love forever my friend. Can't wait to see you again!

John was a great brother in law. He called his sister often and each time he called he and I would trade Dad Jokes back and forth. Here's one more for you John: My friend took me to his back yard to show .e his new tool shed. He pointed to the corner and said, Thats my step ladder. I never know my real ladder. Rest in Peace Brother. I will miss you dearly.

Melancon's Funeral Home created a Tribute Video in memory of John Arthur Hicks

1 file added to the tribute wall

The year was 1978, John and I met when we were in 8th grade at Edison Jr. High School. I had just moved back to Port Arthur after 5 years away. We were on the football team together, hit it off and never looked back. Our friendship grew closer as we moved into High School at TJ. The common bond was always football & some of the best times we had were after the games. The TJ parking lot parties were legendary. And of course, who could forget, the after-party parties on Pleasure Island (class of ’83 you know what I’m talking about). Before we were old enough to drive, we would walk the streets of PA (back and forth to each other’s home & around town). Once we got a driver’s license and wheels, things got a little more interesting. Out cruising, our conversations would usually migrate to a hot topic on the mind of most teenage boys – girls. Because John and I both grew up without a father in the home, we relied on each other a little more for advice, feedback and guidance. Talking to girls came a little easier for John – did I mention he was “Mr. Handsome” of our graduating class. John wasn’t just handsome on the outside, he was beautiful on the inside. He was blessed with all the core qualities you would want in a friend. He was positive, cheerful, friendly, kind, genuine, loyal, caring, honest & funny. John had a natural playful love of life that had a way of rubbing off on you if you were nearby. He was just easy to be around. After graduating high school, we lived together in a 3-bedroom house with a few rotating roommates. I call this my “Gap year.” It was a year filled with care-free good times with some of the best people. In a typical day we would sleep late, ski Taylor’s bayou during the day, wait tables in the restaurant on Pleasure Island at night, then play cards until the early hours of the morning. It was a fun year! Circa 1985 is where our paths began to diverge. John moved to Houston & I focused on finishing my degree at Lamar. When I moved to Houston Jan 1990, we reconnected. John went on to get his degree from University of Houston and levered that into a career in finance. As John and Hilary started their family and moved to The Woodlands, priorities changes & we maintained our friendship from a distance with less frequency. John reached out quite a bit in the last year. We talked often and I saw him a few times. All though our conversations usually drifted back to those “Glory Days” of our youth in PA, he would beam when he talked about his kids. Jackson, Georgia & Wyatt he was so proud of each of you. When I think of John, I will fondly remember the smiling face of that bright-eyed handsome young man who was so much fun to be around & had the world in his sights. Rest in peace my dear friend, my best man. I’ll see you on the other side. You have always been a great friend. I love you!

4 files added to the tribute wall

John Arthur Hicks came into my life in 1987 when I met him while working at Truffles in Houston. While I had many very good friends, John became my best friend. I think anyone who knew John well, wanted him as a best friend. He was so likable, so energetic, so funny and so fun. His love for life was evident every second I was with him. His optimism was contagious. Something I admired and he helped me to always see the good side of things. A trait I still carry today, thanks to John. There are many tales I could tell but nothing more epic than the Summer of 1989, when he came to live with me in Boston. My Boston friends weren’t quite sure what to do with two Texans? They started by giving us nicknames. Remember Ponderosa? Well, I became Hoss, and yes, John became Little Joe. From Boston, we ruled the east coast from Maine & Vermont down through Connecticut, NYC and the islands. Yup, you guessed it, I met my wife, Katie, thanks to John. But all things must end and that includes the Summer. Little Joe had to go back to Houston to continue to work towards getting his college degree, which he did. I was super proud of him as he joined UBS and began his professional career. His work ethic was something else I really admired. He knew what he had to get done and he usually got a lot more than that done, he always went above and beyond, as a matter of principle. As I go through this world, I am a much better person for having known John. We lived in different cities and life got busy with kids and all so we didn’t get together in person as much as we wanted, but, a five minute phone call was all we really needed - just knowing we were both out there doing our thing kept a smile on my face. Take a listen to the song Highwaymen. I listen to that song, think about John, and that same smile comes back to my face. John, I know you’ve found a good spot to rest your soul and I know you’ll be back again, and again. Until then, I will look for you in every raindrop. I love you John.

1 file added to the album Memories

I met John while waiting tables and we became roommates while both going to college. Without him I would have not met my wife. John always had a great attitude and was as loyal a friend as you would ever want. I am thankful that we spoke many times over the past few weeks and shared great memories of our times together. Rest easy old friend. You will be missed until we meet again.

we were neighbors to John in Houston for almost a year and his wonderful friend Rodger who only at the condo. John was just a great guy he was polite nice fun intelligent we totally enjoyed him and his company

John was one of the good guys; the ones who wear a white hat. He was kind, loyal & hilarious. I’ll surely miss his texts & calls. RIP, JTown

I've known John since junior high school. He was a great guy, and I'm saddened to learn of his passing. Keeping his family in thoughts and prayers. RIP, John. Godspeed!