James Royce Hickey, age 79 of Sparta, passed away Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026 at NHC of Sparta.  He was born November 22, 1946 in Sparta to the late Sheriff William Hickey and Sheriff Annell Oliver Hickey.  He was also preceded in death by a brother: Billy Lee Hickey and a sister: Sawilla Hickey Reams.

James was a Baptist minister for 58 years. The last 26 years, he was the Pastor of East Commerce Baptist Church in Lewisburg,TN. After retiring, he then became the Director of Missions with the Union Baptist Association.

After graduating White County High School, he attended Tennessee Tech University where he got is bachelor's degree later got his Masters degree in Agronomy. He also graduated from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

He is survived by his wife: Shirley Hutchings Hickey

Son: Matthew Lynn Hickey & wife Clorissa

Grandsons:  Dalton and William

Brother: Lynn Hickey & wife Sharon

Sister:  Betty Hickey Weaver

Funeral Service will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Sparta First Baptist Church with burial in the Scurlock Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 pm until Service time.  Bro. Maston Jackson, Bro. Al Schieber, and Bro. Steve McPherson will officiate the service.

Marty Usery, Henry Usery, Jonathan Hutson, Cody Nash, Jerry Simpson and Terry Abston will serve the family as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Dalton and William Hickey.