James Robert Lucas (Bob), was born March 12, 1946, in Merced County, CA. He was number 3 of 7 children. His family soon relocated back to Dothan once his father’s career ended in the Military.
At age 15, Bob started working for his Uncle J.R (Bob) Sealy and Aunt Ida Inscor Sealy at their hot springs, Sealy Mineral Wells in Cottonwood, AL. His duties included being a lifeguard and maintenance. He later attended George C. Wallace Technical School where he learned to be a brick mason.
As a young adult he enjoyed being part of the local CB Radio club. His handle was “Lobo.” In January of 1977 he met the love of his life, a widow named Jaquita Hicks who was also a CB Radio enthusiast. Her CB handle was “The Crisco Baby.” On Valentines Day in 1977 he proposed, and they were married in April the same year. Bob joyfully became a stepfather to Jaquita’s three children. They were married until her death in May of 2017.
In 1978 he and his new family moved to Orange City, FL. While living in Florida, Bob took up beekeeping. Each time he visited his mother in Dothan, he would bring her mason jars of orange blossom honey with honeycomb. He would bring treats of sugar cane for his nieces and nephews. Both were always eagerly awaited.
During his time in Deland, FL while working as a brick mason he was part of the crew who built Disney Park Epcot. Now while he loved brick laying, and could lay the hell out of everything, he took a break from that trade to work at the facility that employed his wife. Jaquita was a nurse at The Duvall Home for special needs children. Bob was employed there for many years as a maintenance man. The residents who resided there loved Bob dearly. In turn, Bob and Jaquita lovingly thought of them as family.
Eventually, Bob and Jaquita returned to Dothan, AL to be closer to family. Their children married and added grandchildren to their lives. Bob loved being a Paw Paw to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and Jaquita were always up for an adventure with them.
Bob went back to masonry with Ricky Starling Masonry where he worked until he retired at age 67. He helped build many churches, restaurants and businesses in the Dothan area in his later years.
Bob was a member of the United Pentecostal Church of Dothan and tried to never miss a service. He loved going to church and worshipping the Lord. He loved his church family and missed them after going into the nursing home. He talked about them often.
He loved to listen to Gospel music and the Bible on tape. He had no problem praying in public when the need arose. He was known to be generous with his time and talents. His friends and family knew that he could be called upon in times of need and he always showed up. Bob was a well-loved father, son, brother, husband, cousin, friend and most of all Pawpaw. If good memories were as valuable as gold, everyone would have amassed a fortune having him in their lives. He was an absolute treasure.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Ruth Lucas, His wife Jaquita and his brothers Edward and Walter. He is survived by his children, Glenn Hicks, Morgan Hicks (Salina) and Scarlet Hicks (Philip T. Cheek). His grandchildren, Dustin Hicks (Jessica), Dr. Tiffany Sexton (David), Harlie Cheek (Alyssa), Ryleigh Cheek and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Richard Lucas (Yamilla) and Ben Lucas (Donna). His sisters, Fran Fontain, Ida Sewell (Tony), honorary sister Kay Mckinney. Many nieces, nephews, family and friends. All were loved and cherished.
