COL James Edward Sikes, Jr., USA, Ret., of Charlotte, NC, was born April 26, 1952 in Baxley, GA to James E. and Brownie L. Sikes. He was commissioned in the US Army Infantry in 1974 serving in Korea, Germany and Somalia. He was a highly decorated Combat Veteran who received numerous Awards and Decorations, which include the Combat Infantry Badge, Airborne Wings, Ranger Tab, Army Staff Badge and the Joint Staff Badge. He commanded infantry units from Company to Battalion and at the Brigade Level. He served on the Army Staff on 9/11, and was instrumental in the evacuation of injured personnel following the attack on the Pentagon. For the past 7 years he had served as TSA Deputy Federal Security Director for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ruthann Sikes, his daughter Aimee, his son David and daughter-in-law Mackenzie and his grandson Ryan. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother Elma Morris (95), father James E. Sikes, Sr., sisters SunJa Woods and April Williams, brothers Douglas Sikes and Mark Sikes of Georgia, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and his godson Jack Mead. The family will receive friends Thursday, April 16, 2009 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 6050 Hickory Grove Road. The celebration of his life will take place Friday, April 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Hickory Grove Baptist Church with Dr. Steven Rummage and Dr. Joe Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Arlington National Cemetery on a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Col. Sikes to Global Missions of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 6050 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28215. Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service, Derita Chapel. Published in Charlotte Observer on 4/16/2009 Tags: 1974
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