James Lester Hickam, 71, of Jackson died Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, at Jackson Manor.

He was born Oct. 10, 1936, in Cape Girardeau, son of Milford Lester and Elsa May Dow Hickam.

Hickam was a 1955 graduate of Central High School and received a bachelor of science in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University in 1963.

He taught sixth grade at Jefferson School 32 years, retiring in 1996.

Hickam served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, of which 19 months were spent in Germany. He was a KFVS12 weather watcher and co-host of "Your Folk Connection" on KRCU Radio. He was a member of Missouri Folklore Society, SEMO Astronomy Club, and was active in youth league baseball.

Survivors include a brother, Jon Hickam, and a sister, Dorothy Hickam, both of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Friday at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at noon Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Janet Hopkins officiating. Burial will be in Old Goshen Cemetery at Oak Ridge.