Jerome Manley Hickam

Jerome "Jerry" Manley Hickam of North Little Rock, died on Sunday, April 22, 2018. He was born on October 4, 1934 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Jesse James and Sylvia Ida Hickam. Jerry graduated from high school in Dexter, Missouri and went on to serve 34 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard as an auto-pilot technician on C130s. His time with the "Mighty 189th" at Jacksonville Air Force Base was some of the most fulfilling of his career. He had been living at Presbyterian Village in Little Rock since 2016 and had grown to love it as home. He often serenaded anyone within earshot with his large repertoire of classic hits of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. Jerry enjoyed spending time in the Internet Cafe looking at the fish aquarium and eating lunches with family. Last fall the family participated in the Presbyterian Village chili cook-off and won the top prize for their recipe under the team name, Sarge's Peppers (named after Jerry's Air Force nickname, Sarge). Jerry was beyond thrilled with the attention and notoriety the win brought. The family wishes to thank everyone at Presbyterian Village for making Jerry's last few years so special. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jackie Hickam. Also preceding him are his parents, sister Kay Bess, and brothers Gene and Jim Hickam. Jerome is survived by his son, Dan Hickam and wife, Patti and daughter, Sheree Crites and husband, Doug. Jerry has two grandsons that will go on to continue to make him the proud "Dad-Dad" he was. Elliott Hickam and Jonathan Crites will strive to honor the man who did so much for them. The interment will take place at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. At Jerry's request, there is no visitation or interment service. Memorials may be made in Jerry's honor to Presbyterian Village at 510 North Brookside Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Please sign Jerome's online guest book at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.