Funeral services for James William Kiker, 92, of Pensacola, FL and formerly of Hollandale will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 12 at Avon United Methodist Church. He passed away peacefully at home in Pensacola Florida surrounded by his family on April 8, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer. Burial will be in the County Line Cemetery, Glen Allan. Arrangements are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Greenville.
James Kiker was born in Silver City, MS on May 8, 1926. He joined the Navy in 1943 serving as a butcher in World War II. After two years of service, he returned home to help his family farm.
He met the love of his life Clider Ratliff in Vicksburg, MS while she was in nursing school. James and Clider were married on December 22, 1949 and shared 66 years happily together. They established their home outside Hollandale, MS where they began to raise their family of five children, Myra, Nora, Jimmy, John and Teresa. He also welcomed his niece and nephew, Alicia and Scooter Henderson, and raised them as well after tragedy struck their family.
James was a provider. He worked hard to ensure his family had what they needed. His careers included being a factory carpet weaver in Greenville and he worked with the Corp of Engineers on the Mississippi River. But most of all he loved to farm and did so for over 50 years. In 1972 he became an auto salvage business owner in Pensacola, FL and managed his farm, business and time with his family between the two states.
He was quick of wit and always had something to say. In their late eighties, his loving wife asked him would he want to do it again with another baby. He replied, “I wouldn’t take a million for any one I’ve got, but I wouldn’t give a dollar for another.”
Most importantly he loved his wife, children and family.
James is survived by his daughters: Myra J. Kiker of Cantonment, FL, Nora K. Sheetz of Pensacola, FL and Teresa O. Kiker of Cantonment, FL. He is preceded by his wife, Clider Kiker, sons James W. Kiker, Jr. and John R. Kiker and his parents, James R. Kiker and Alice Kiker.
Pallbearers are his grandsons Chris Reifers, Jay Kiker, Hunter Kiker, and nephews Scooter Henderson, Frank Thaggard, and David Thaggard. Honorary pallbearers are his great-grandsons Mason and Preston Reifers.
There will be a visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Friday at Avon United Methodist Church. The family welcomes donations to St. Jude in lieu of flowers.