Jim Hicks, Sr. is a master bridge builder. Squire as we call him, a tall, dignified man of gentle ways set the mark for Belle Meade whipper-in to come. Always with a wide smile and a warm handshake or the tip of the hat, Squire hicks spanned the chasms for aspiring whips. Several of us are fortunate to have learned under this great teacher and we are proud to have him as our mentor.

   Before coyotes, before a paved Stagecoach Road,before radios. He was there, a strong right hand to Master James and the Master Epp, several times bringing a lost pack up to Master James with his cap lowered in his quiet, respectful way. Being Master Epp's faithful guardian of that most server of flanks - Hwy. 78 - He gave reassurance to that young Master that the hounds would be safe.

He taught us young whips to use our common sense and go with our instincts. Just trying to keep up with him was quite a task in itself. But his tremendous talent on the horse and in the woods, and "hound - Sense", always pt him in the right place. He taught us how to listen and when to gallop and when to Stay put.

 He is the epitome of the Belle Meade Spirit and his spot can't be filled. He is Belle Meade Hunt's true First Whipper-in, and always will be to all of those who know him. We are very proud to dedicate our first article on the Belle Meade Hunt site to this gentle man, this teacher, this bridge builder, our first whipper-in, called Squire...

An old man going a lone highway

Came at the evening gray

To a chasm vast and deep and side

Through which was flowing a sullen tide.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim

The sullen tide had no fear for him.

But he turned when safe on the other side

and built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old Man," said a fellow pilgrim near

"You are wasting strength in building here.

Your journey will end with the ending day.

You will never again pass this way.

You have crossed the chasm deep and wide.

Why build you this bridge at the eventide?

The builder lifted his gray head

"Good friend, in the path I have come,"

There followeth after me today a youth whose feet must pass this way.

This chasm that has been naught to me

To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.

He too must cross in the twilight dim.

Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."