Joseph Nelson Hicks Jr. was born on March 23, 1951, the second born of seven children to the union of Joseph Nelson Hicks Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Henderson-Hicks of Los Angeles, California. Joseph departed this life peacefully on Thursday, August 29, 2024, in Elk Grove California. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and his sister Deidre Hicks.

Joseph attended Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He was a student at St. Raphael Parish School and Mt. Carmel High School. Joseph excelled at every sport and was enduringly called "Rookie" by his family. At the tender age of 13, Joseph won the National Football League's 1964 Punt, Pass and Kick competition, beating out over 600,000 youths from across the country. Upon graduation in 1969, Joseph relocated to Northern California to attend San Jose State University where he was a noted baseball and football player for San Jose State University's Spartans. On May 12, 1972, Joseph was initiated into Epsilon Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. His fraternity brothers remained his lifelong best friends. While attending San Jose State University, Joseph met and married Daphane "Cookie" Poingsett. To this union was born their three daughters, Rhasaan, Jovan, and Simone. Joseph was a devoted and loving father to his girls. On April 25, 1977, Joseph became a deputy sheriff working until his retirement on August 4, 2004, from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. As Joseph would say, for decades he went to "war" alongside his brothers and sisters to protect the innocent from the treacherous on the streets of Santa Clara County. After retirement, Joseph with his eye on family legacy, purchased Hicks Trophy & Engraving in Los Angeles, California. On June 7, 2008, Joseph married his "Sweetheart", Toni Andrews. With this union he gained an abundance of sister-in laws, a brother in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Joseph was very outgoing and loved connecting with people. Through his love of storytelling, his adventures as a deputy or from his youth would come alive; making you feel like you were right there with him. Joseph also delighted in sharing his life-long love of music. Joseph's passion for playing conga drums in Afro-Cuban rhythm styles was enjoyed by all those blessed to hear it. He played with his brother in-law Tony Poingsett and with other various drum circles over his lifetime. Joseph was also a man of deep faith. For nine years, Joseph was an active member of Men of Righteousness (MOR). As an elder in the group, he loved sharing experiences of how God was his anchor with the verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths". Proverbs 3:5-6[NKJV].

Joseph will be in our hearts every day. Remember Joseph when you are grilling, listening to jazz, watching sports especially the Warriors and when spending time with those you love.

Joseph leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Toni Hicks of Elk Grove CA, his daughters: Rhasaan Wilson of Northridge, CA; Jovan Hicks of Palmdale, CA; Simone Poingsett of Palmdale, CA; his G-Men (grandpa's men) Gavin Wilson of Northridge CA, Josiah Poingsett of Palmdale CA, Ian Wilson of Northridge CA, and Payton Wilson of Northridge CA; in-laws: Melvin Andrews (Valerie) of Elk Grove CA, Tyra Andrews of New Jersey, Barbara Andrews of Hayward CA and Tammy Andrews of Elk Grove CA; his siblings: Roland Hicks; Gregory Hicks; Kevin Hicks (wife Gail), Jerome Hicks (wife Julia); Cassandra Jones (husband Todd); many devoted nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.