Jim Hicks grew up as a small-town Iowa boy who had a big dream. Unfortunately for him, Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees had the job he wanted. Hicks wanted to play center field for the Yankees. 

His mother advised him to attend college and to look into the law practice, considering his father-in-law was in the business. He graduated from Red Oak High School in southwest Iowa. Then it was off to Simpson College and Drake University.

After earning his degree he joined his father-in-law Joe Johnston in the practice, which has grown over the years to be known as Johnston, Hicks and Griffith Law Firm in Knoxville. Hicks celebrated his 50th year in the business June 14. 

It all started for Hicks in 1973, now his two sons Jeff and Nile have followed his footsteps, as they are lawyers as well.