James Ficke was born in the Bronx, New York on April 6, 1938. He passed a few days after his 88th birthday on April 11, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Ficke and his mother Rita (Menzie) Ficke and beloved sister Regina Clare Ficke. His cousins recognized James as the “oldest cousin”. Among them, he is survived by Jack (Melina) Menzie, Charlie (Laurie Kline) Menzie, Donald (Joann) Menzie, Joe (Cyndi) Menzie, Anne Marie (Ralph) Holzhauer, John (Renee) Menzie, Barbara (Jay) Procario, Brian Menzie and Patti Menzie.

James spent his earliest years within an extended family home that included his grandparents John B. Menzie and Mary R. Menzie, his uncles Donald, James, and John Menzie, and, for a time, his cousins Jimmy and Jack Menzie. The large family home stood on Weyman Avenue in New Rochelle, easy walking distance to Glen Island and the Long Island Sound shoreline. James spent his teenage and young adult years in New Rochelle and Mount Vernon, New York. As a young man, James served in the Air Force as a radio operator.

Drawn to music and entertainment, young James (aka Jim and Jimmy) set his sights on Hollywood California and travelled there with his sister Regina and a group of friends also interested in the entertainment business. He auditioned, sang, danced and absorbed show business. He eventually returned to New York and began work as a hairdresser in New Rochelle. His grandparents, mother, and sister moved to the Sunshine State and bought a home in Hollywood, Florida. James eventually followed his family, renting an apartment near the beach before buying his Hollywood house in 1976 where he has lived for the past 50 years. His work during that period was as a hairdresser at JCPenney. “Mr. James” became famous for his styling capabilities. Phyliss Veltre and Ivy Ferreira were close friends at work and fondly recall their get togethers each Saint Patrick’s Day at Flanigan’s in Hollywood for Corned Beef and Cabbage.

James loved to travel and took many cruises and road trips with family and friends. One journey involved visiting the birthplace of his grandfather John Menzie (born Giovanni Mancini) in Italy. James was joined by the oldest living cousins of each of his three uncles including Jack Menzie (with his wife Melina), Charlie Menzie, and Brian Menzie. James was accompanied by his good friend Susie Cornblit. The group visited the Mancini family high on the mountain top village of Taranta Peligna where they were serenaded by the Mancinis at the beautiful Acquevive Falls. James broke into song to join them. And he sang again for them at the banquet that evening.

James lost his beloved sister Regina in 2004. Shortly thereafter he had the great fortune of joining The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and enjoyed singing at Carnagie Hall, London, and numerous events in south Florida. Within the chorus he had numerous friends. A small group met at Lester’s Diner in Fort Lauderdale every Tuesday night for dinner. His friends from the chorus and their husbands were very much family. Those especially close to him include Bert Cohen & Patrick Quillen, Brian Garrett, Alan McKnight & Bernie Engelen, David Littlefield & Frank Beitelschies, Dean Histos & Carlas Kallam, Terry Hirsh, and Steve Freeman.

James was a devout Catholic attending Little Flower Catholic Church in Hollywood for many years. He had many good friends within the congregation including Charles Lockyer who spent much time by James’ bedside helping him while James was in rehab, the hospital, and the care center. James later attended the Parish of Saint Francis and Clare in Wilton Manor where he attended masses led by Father Matt. There he made many friends within the congregation.

Arrangements are entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care located at 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. There will be a viewing between 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM on May 3rd with a Tributes of a Lifetime Service at 4:00 PM. A mass will be held at 11:00 AM on May 4th at the Parish of Saints Francis and Clare, 2300 Powerline Rd (NW 9th Avenue), Wilton Manors, FL. After the service, all are invited for a communal meal in the adjacent room.

James’ ashes will be buried at 1:00 PM on May 8th at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery located at 1500 S State Road 7 in North Lauderdale. Please call Charles Menzie at 571-214-3648 with questions. Special thanks to Laurie Kline for attending to James and helping him navigate the health care facilities and programs during the past four months. Thanks to friends and family who helped with the logistics of the viewing and service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in James name to the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida at GMCSF website and the Trustbridge Hospice in Boca Raton at Trustbridge Donation Page .