Obituary of James George Hickey
James George Hickey
James George Hickey, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his home in Joliet, Illinois. He was born on May 5, 1936, in Custer, Wisconsin, to the late John and Lillian (nee Gunderson) Hickey. He was a graduate of Stevens Pointe High School and later went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army.
On his life’s journey, Jim married his one true love, Joan Marie (née Ryan) Hickey. Together they built a devoted family and shared many years of faith, commitment, and companionship as longtime parishioners of St. Paul the Apostle, the church in which they were united in marriage.
Jim was a hardworking and loyal employee, retiring from working in the lab after more than 40 dedicated years with Amoco Chemical. His strong work ethic and steadfast character were evident in the consistency and care he brought to his vocation over four decades.
Outside of work, Jim found joy in the simple but meaningful pleasures of life. He enjoyed being outdoors and going for long walks, appreciating the world around him. A true sports enthusiast, he especially loved baseball and could always be found supporting and following anything his children were involved in. Time with family was at the heart of who he was. He loved to learn and read about new things, remaining curious and engaged throughout his life.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Marie (née Ryan) Hickey; his son, Terrence Hickey; and his three daughters, Patrice (Michael) James, Monica (Robert) Bendon, and Sheila Hickey. He was a proud grandfather to Ryan and Lauren James, and Kaylin, Grace, and Finnegan Bendon. He is also survived by his sister, Edith (Charles) Steffanus, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Elizabeth (the late Harold) Fancher, Mary Ethel (the late Al) Liebe, Grace (the late Wilbur) Dean,Glen (Arlene) Hickey, Roy (the late Sandra) Hickey, and Harold (the late Mary) Hickey; and his brother, Harold’s first wife, Dorothy Hickey.
Visitation for James George Hickey will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 9:15 a.m., on Monday, February 16, 2026 from the funeral home to Queen of Apostle Catholic Church, 18 N. Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL. Family and friends are invited to meet at the chapel of the cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of James’s memory and in support of continued care, research, and advocacy.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
