James Patrick Joseph Hickey was born 19 July 1972 in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He grew up in Port Hawksbury, Nova Scotia. Upon high school graduation, he attended Cape Breton University graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1995. After several years working in the private sector, he enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces on 17 January 2002 as an army logistics officer. Following completion of basic and language training, he was posted for a short period of time to CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, followed by a posting to 2 Service Battalion in Petawawa, Ontario where he deployed on Operation STRUCTURE, the armed forces response to the tsunamis that battered Southeast Asia in December of 2004. In 2006 he was posted to Ottawa where he filled several different military roles, deployed to Afghanistan, and deployed on his second humanitarian mission, this time to Haiti. While in Ottawa, he married his sweetheart of eight years, Nicole Julliette Viau. They would later become the proud parents of two lovely daughters, Emma, born in Ottawa and Bethany, born in New Brunswick. The next 13 years would see the family move three more times across the country finally landing back in Ottawa. James often spoke fondly of his wife and daughters and the joy and excitement they would bring into his life. He was a loving father, a patriotic officer, and a faithful friend who humbly served his family, his country, and many others abroad. James is survived by his wife Nicole, daughters Emma and Bethany, parents John and Betty, and six siblings, Elizabeth (Steve), Patricia (Jim), Susan (Mike), Kelly (Ted), John and Raymond (Ashley). Flowers may be sent to the Beechwood Cemetery at 280 Beechwood, Ave, Ottawa ON, K1L 8A6. In lieu of flowers, an education savings fund has been established for his daughters and the funds can be donated via etransfer to emmabethanyhickey@gmail.com. or deposited at any TD Canada Trust Bank to banking details: Transit 40891 Institution 004 Account 6289228.
Digital Guestbook
Bryan Davidson
Todd Hirtle
This is incredibly saddening. James was an amazing individual and a great officer. We shared many conversations together about work, life, family and he was always the most positive who could bring the best out of others during some of the most difficult days in Afghanistan or trying to support theatre from CEFCOM. This is very hard to reconcile as he had much more to give! My sincere sympathies to Nicole, Emma and Bethany ... RIP partner!
Jim, Carol Johnson and Family
We sends our sincerest condolences to Jack and Betty, Jimmy’s entire Cape Breton Family, his Military Family but most importantly the Family we have yet to meet, Jimmy’s wife and their Children. To them, know that Jimmy was well liked and respected by the Strait Area community! “We’ve Lost One of the Good Ones!”
Barry & Starla Costello & family
Jack,Betty and family we are indeed shocked and saddened by your loss.A life gone too soon he will forever be in your heart and will soar high with all our other Angels who watch over us all .May he RIP and please take care of one another at this very sad time.Deepest Sympathy.
Colleen Rose
Though I knew him at work as James, we chatted frequently enough that I also knew he was Jimmy to his family and close friends. A terrific and dedicated colleague gone far too soon. I offer my condolences to family.
Paula (Ryan) MacLachlan
So sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. Our most sincere condolences to the family. Taken way too young…..God Bless him.
Heather Morrison
My condolences to the entire Hickey family. This is a truly devastating loss. I will always remember James as incredibly kind, funny, down to earth, and compassionate friend and fellow army officer. He was truly unforgettable and will be missed beyond measure
Annie Perry
I was fortunate enough for James to cross my path in Ottawa as we worked side by side. His smile could illuminate an entire floor and his professionalism was unmatched. He often spoke of his daughters as a proud father, sharing tails and stories. I can still see his eyes lighting up. The Canadian Armed Forces have lost a true leader and many of us have lost a friend.
Patricia Mooring
My sincere condolences on your loss, Jack and Betty and all your families. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
SharonRyan
My sincerest condolences to Jimmy’s family. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. May he Rest In Peace.
Such a shock to lose an excellent officer and friend. His great sense of humour and intelligence made the most difficult things so much easier. I will miss you, brother.