James Michael Wicks

James Michael "Mike" Wicks passed away December 24, 2020 in Irving, Texas. Mike was born October 12, 1947 in Almont, Michigan to James Edward Wicks and Bettye Francis Southerland. He attended Irving High School in Irving, Texas. After high school he joined the United States Navy and served on the USS Bold from 1964-68, receiving the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, Mike went on to be an accomplished jeweler, journeyman plumber, musician, and father. Mike's great passion was music. As a professional musician, he performed at venues in Nashville and Dallas, the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio, and the Kerrville Folk Festival where he was a New Folk Competition finalist in 1988. As a songwriter, his words were personal and poetic, and writing for large audiences was his dream. Notable songs are "Hell Uva' Happy Hour," "The Hourglass," "The Quality of Life," and "Tomorrow Never Looked So Good."

As a father, he was loving, light-hearted, and encouraged his sons to foster their talents and strive to be better. Mike's son James acquired his passion for music while his son Harrison took up his Dad's similar interests in world history. Both of his sons still enjoy listening to his music, which will live on for generations to come.

As a son, he was loving, attentive, and enjoyed providing for his mother any way he could. He is survived by his mother Bettye, brother Bruce Wicks, sons James Wicks and spouse Nicole Foran and Harrison Wicks and spouse Chanjuan Chen, grandson Kepler Wicks, nephews Ryan Jarrett and Cody Jarrett, and niece Caitlan Jarrett.

He was preceded in death by his father James Edward Wicks and sister, Candace Davlyn Appleby.

A memorial service will be held when friends and family are able to gather safely. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation at https://www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org/donate.

"Tomorrow never looked so good
For those of us who gather here
Family all, within these walls
Be it song or tear.

For everybody needs a place
Where all your friends are glad
To see your smiling face.

And I got to say
That now's the time
When I am happy and complete
Leave the noise and all the hassle in the street.

For peace and brotherhood
Tomorrow never looked so good."

Lyrics from song "Tomorrow Never Looked So Good" – James Michael Wicks (copyright 1983)