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Captain Neese Davis Hicks Aug 21, 2004 12:00 AM A A Captain Hicks was born in High Point, North Carolina, — on February 1st, 1922. He entered military service in 1941, serving first — as an armorer then enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He began his cargo — combat missions by joining Air America and flying the "Hump," the Himalayas — Mountains, between India and China. — After World War II he volunteered for cargo missions supplying — the Nationalist Chinese armed forces against the Communists. In Shanghai, — China he met Marie J. Da Costa in 1946. They married in 1949 and moved — to High Point, North Carolina. — In 1953 he joined Air America and moved his family to — Tokyo, Japan. He flew for Japan Air Lines for 1968 to 1971. — In 1971 he returned to the U.S.A. to live in Ashland, — Oregon, and opened a hardware store from 1972 to 1977. He also raised — beef cattle. He returned to aviation in 1981-1982 as a pilot for a charter — line. In 1998 he retired to Pittsburgh, California. — He loved nature, and visiting wilderness areas and national — parks. He also expressed this love in one of his favorite hobbies, painting. — His last oil was of an eagle flying over a mountain bike. — He was the loving and beloved husband of Marie and father — to sons; David, Gary, Bryan and Lester, who survive him. — Captain Hicks was a courageous man who risked his life — in his duty to his country& 39;s call to engage in the struggle for freedom — around the world. — In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name — to a charity of one& 39;s own choosing. — Maureen Grace Mitchell — Maureen, 50, passed away August 19th, 2004. She was a licensed midwife — of 24 years, and will be remembered by hundreds. A Memorial Service will — be held at a later date .