John *J.A.* Aaron Ricks Sr.

John (J.A.) was born on September 7, 1937 to Aaron and Alice (Annis) McCoy Ricks in Palestine, Texas. He was raised by his beloved Uncle "Charlie Mosley" and Aunt "Callie McCoy Mosley". John was a well-rounded young man that enjoyed learning life skills such as cooking from his precious "Aunt Callie" to excelling in his sports (Track, Basketball, Football and Baseball). John was a very intelligent scholar that graduated with honors from AM Story High School in 1957. Following high school, he embarked on a new journey that led him to completing barber college.

In the early 1960’s, John kickstarted his railroad career as a brakeman with Missouri Pacific Railroad and retired with a length of service of 41 years as a conductor from Union Pacific Railroad.

John married the love of his life Mary Pearl Bailey Ricks whom he affectionately called “Bay” of Palestine, Texas. John and Mary went on to have 3 children: Regina Charmelle Ricks Davis (Sham), John A. Ricks, Jr (Ricki), Monique Shunta Ricks Mitchell (Tink).

In 2000, John retired from Union Pacific Railroad to prioritize, his most favorite role in his life "Poppy." Poppy enjoyed giving his grandchildren the most wonderful experiences that life could offer, such as teaching them how to ride bikes, listening to Christmas oldies and traveling across the United States. Most importantly he always encouraged them to put their happiness first.

John was predeceased by Wife of 56 years (Mary Pearl Bailey Ricks), Father (Aaron), Mother (Annis), Brother (Robert “Clyde” Ricks), Sister (Mary Jane “Sis” Wade), Son-in-Law (Delbert “Dooney” Mitchell).

He is survived by Children: Regina, John Jr, and Monique; Grandchildren: Desni & Michaela (Regina), Tremecia & Bethany (John Jr) and Bailey (Monique). Godchildren (Tami Henderson, Lagrand Henderson, Jr and Cedric Henderson) of Dallas Texas. Siblings: Mildred Crawford (California), Sophia Thorne (California) and Elvis Ricks (Texas). Sister in Christ: Freda Parkes (Texas). Sister-in-Laws: Dorothy Nell “Dot” Hanks (California), Janis Phillips (California), Debra Kimber (Texas) , Sammie Nell Ligon (Texas), and Denita Sanders (Georgia), Thelma Ricks (California). Brother-in-laws: John “Ben” Thorne (Sophia), Donald Sanders (Denita) and Charles Wayne Kimber (California). Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends.

Services will be held at Brookside Funeral Home and Memorial Park on February 27 at 5 PM to 9 PM (Memorial/Viewing) and February 28 at 10 am (Graveside Service).