James L. “Tucker” Hickson
James L. “Tucker” Hickson, 77, of Philipsburg, died Friday, January 18, 2019, at his residence, following a lengthy illness.
James was born on January 6, 1942, in Philadelphia, a son of the late George L. and Ruth Dolly (Wilson) Hickson; but moved to Philipsburg at age 5. He loved Philipsburg and continued to live there the rest of his life.
He was a member of the first class to graduate from the new Philipsburg – Osceola Area High School in 1959. Throughout his high school years, he was known for his athletic skills on the basketball court and baseball diamond; and he continued to play in the Philipsburg softball leagues for many, many years.
His love of sports is something that he would carry with him throughout his life. He was above all else a diehard fan of the Penn State Nittany Lion’s football program. One of his favorite Penn State memories was attending the 1979 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. He was also a proud supporter and passionate fan of the P-O Mounties athletic programs. He was a regular on Friday nights for P-O football games at Memorial Field for decades. He closely followed the wrestling and basketball programs every year as well.
A familiar face around town, he enjoyed long walks around Philipsburg, talking sports with friends and family, as well as discussing the “good old days” of P-O football, wrestling and basketball. He was also a proud “Slabtowner;” growing up and spending most of his life on 9th. Street.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Philipsburg. He was employed at various occupations; but mostly as a general laborer throughout his working career.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas G. Hickson and one sister, Leslie J. Byers, in addition to his parents.
He is survived by three sisters: Margaret “Peg” Pelka, of Chester Hill; Joni Pifer, of York and Sue Veneziano and her husband, Rich, of Drifting; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members who dearly loved him, as he did them.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 28, 2019, at 11 am, at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, with Pastor Christine Roe, officiating.
Visitation will be on Sunday, January 27, 2019, from 4 to 7 pm at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services and on Monday, from 10 am until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in “Tucker’s” memory to the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, Pa 16866.
