James Lyle Hickman

James Lyle Hickman passed away in Canton, Illinois on the morning of June 8th, 2026.

Lyle was the youngest of nine children, born July 27, 1940 in Macomb, Illinois to John Clinton Hickman and Clara Alice (Royer) Hickman

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cindy (Thomas) Hickman, Canton IL ; one daughter Laura (Rod) Franciskovich of Fiatt, IL , one son Jim (Karen) Hickman of Hickory, NC, and three step-sons, Eric, Chad, and Joe Pollitt of Canton, IL. Also surviving are grandchildren Lindsey (Josh) Larson of Canton, Andrew (Erin) Ridenour of Canton, Nikki (Jeff) Sandberg of Prairie du Sac, WI, Sam (Al) Herberger of Milwaukee, WI, Gerett (Holly) Scott of Kingwood, TX, Rikki (Jason) Rogers of Hickory, NC, Brogan (Eric) Boone of Durham, NC, Delanie (Ricky) Guido of John’s Island, SC, Grace Hickman of Hickory, NC, and Ian, Tori, Paige, Laney, River, and Rain Pollitt of Canton, along with 24 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and one newborn son, Terry Dean Hickman.

Lyle was raised in Bushnell, Illinois and graduated from Bushnell-Prairie City High School in 1959. While growing up in Bushnell, he worked several jobs having a paper route, making donuts in the bakery, setting pins in the bowling alley, and pumping gas and changing oil at Ebe’s Gas Station. He had so many happy memories of Bushnell, and talked about it frequently.

He went to Hobart Institute of Welding in Troy, Ohio where he became an accomplished welder. Lyle worked as a machinist for several companies over the years including E.M. Smith in Peoria and The Peoria Journal Star before taking a job with the United Mine Workers working at both Buckheart and Industry mines, where he retired.

Lyle enjoyed riding his motorcycle all over the country making several trips back and forth from coast to coast and everywhere in between. His favorite place to ride was in the mountains of Colorado.

Grandpa Lyle was so proud of and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even in his later years, he never hesitated to get down on the floor to play with, wrestle with, or just hang out with them. a, CA 91723

Cremation rites have been accorded thru Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton, IL. His ashes will be spread in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado by family members at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research at 440 N Barranca Avenue #3620, Covina, CA 91723 or the Copperas Creek Dive Team at 100 South Main St., Norris, IL 61553