Mr. James

Tri-City Tales Issue No. 26

When James Hicks retired nine years ago, he never planned on a second career. After working decades in the grocery distribution business, he was ready for time off. He was in his late 70s by then. He spent his time doing retiree stuff: volunteering at his church, riding his bike and walking his German shepherd. 

But his daily dog walks took him right past Tri-City Animal Shelter. One day, he decided to stop in and see if they might need volunteers. The answer was yes. (The answer is always yes.) He spent several months helping out wherever he could, first a few days a week, and then almost daily. He fell in love with every dog he met, compelled to make each animal feel needed, and loved. “They are here through no fault of their own,” he says. 

One day when the shelter was trying to fill a part-time staff position, director Tammy Miller asked if he would be interested in applying for the job. “You’re here all the time anyway,” she told him. “You might as well get paid for it.” 

He started in the work room, doing laundry and washing dishes. He soon moved to animal care. Today, “Mr. James,” as the staff calls him, arrives at 7:30 am three or four days a week, feeding dogs and taking them for walks outside. He drives the van taking animals to other shelters and charities. If there’s a need, he never says no – answering texts with heart and puppy feet emojis. Once, a woman from a rescue organization was supposed to meet him at the shelter to pick up a dog. She had car trouble, and did not arrive until well after dark. Mr. James, who had started his shift early that morning, was still there to meet her.

Now 85, Mr. James is the oldest city employee in Cedar Hill. He has no plans for a second retirement. After all, there are too many dogs who need him.