James Gary Hickam II, 68, of Freedom, IN passed away peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on Sunday, August 15, 2021.  He was born in Putnam County Hospital in Greencastle, IN on February 16, 1953 to James G. Hickam I and Althea "Rae" Hickam.  Survivors include his sister Jennifer Hickam Skeel of Terre Haute, her son Gary Hickam Skeel (Melissa) of Lexington, KY as well as their daughters Addie and Ellie.  Jim was a graduate of the first class from Owen Valley High School in 1971.  He was a member of the Freedom Baptist Church.  Jim was a self-taught and very talented craftsman who had a gift for rebuilding anything that ran with a motor.  While his name was not well known, it was Jim's passion that kept the Christmas Star lit on the blue silo every Thanksgiving through New Year's; it was an historic holiday landmark for over 50 years just south of Freedom.  Cremation was chosen at Jim's request and a family interment service will occur at a later date.  The family covets your prayers in the days and weeks ahead.  Online condolences and memories of Jim can be left for the family at samaritanfunerals.com