Johnny "JJ" Ricks Remembered

Johnny "JJ" Ricks
Born March 12, 1969, in Nashville, Tennessee, Johnny “JJ” Ricks brought joy to the world of the Ricks and Oglesby families. His childhood days were busy days, always finding something interesting to see and touch.
JJ learned early that education was important. He attended White Oak Elementary School, All Saints Academy and graduated from Chattanooga High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. His field of study kept him in touch with people and showed compassion toward their needs. He lived and worked for several years in Reston and Woodbridge, Virginia. Most recently, he lived and worked in Columbia, SC.
Once he spotted a homeless man trying to cross a busy street in a wheelchair. JJ jumped out of his car to run and safely push the man to the other side of the street. On many occasions, he would give assistance, money, and food to the helpless and hopeless. He found ways to engage in conversations with many people with struggling conditions. He found various friendships with people both younger and older than he, always giving encouragement and sometimes advice.
The family was very important to JJ, and friendship had to be authentic and “for real.” Fake and phony reached his level of impatience quickly. If he called you his friend, homeboy or homegirl, that was a title of endearment and a label of love.
JJ did not communicate through Facebook as his mother and friends did. He communicated just as effectively and effectively by texting daily devotions that were uplifting and encouraging to the soul. His love for sports and politics was also a part of his constant contact and communication with both family and friends.
JJ was a sports fanatic! From an early age, he was involved in sports, playing on the little league, t-ball, football, and basketball teams. As early as six years old, JJ was the water boy for Chattanooga High School’s basketball and football teams, traveling with the team across the city and state. JJ was an avid and long-time Los Angeles Lakers and Washington (Red Skins) Commanders loyal fan.
JJ never met a stranger. He could always find a common topic of interest to discuss. His signature greeting for the women in his family was a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. JJ was not only tall in stature; he was also tall in affection for those he loved so much, especially his mother, Gayle. There was never a hug, smile, or even a raising of eyebrows like the ones from his dear and loving grandmother, Roberta. The love of his grandfather, Percy was dear to him. He was blessed to have aunts and uncles who loved him. He looked forward to seeing his Uncle George - “Little Man” when he came home to Chattanooga. One of the greatest treasures of JJ’s life was his family. One of the most important things the Bible teaches us about family is that they are a source of blessings from God.
On May 23, 2023, God wanted JJ back because he ultimately belonged to God. When he departed this life on May 23, 2023, he transitioned in a peaceful state. He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny L. Ricks, Sr., and his grandfather Ernest E. Oglesby.
Cherished memories will last forever in the hearts of his Mother, Gayle Oglesby Ricks, of Columbia, SC, Grandmother Roberta Oglesby of Chattanooga, TN and Grandfather, Percy Ricks, Sr. of Chattanooga, TN; Aunts Tamara Oglesby and Regina Gail Ricks of Chattanooga, TN and Uncles George Ricks, Percy Ricks of Chattanooga, TN and Ernest E. Oglesby, II of Atlanta, GA will have memories of a nephew who knew and loved family.
Other loving relatives include his cousins Lynn Bryson Charles (Patrick), Chico Bryson, and Grace Charles of Los Angeles, CA, longtime friend and brother, Tommy “Dog” Johnson of Waco, Texas, and a host of relatives and great friends whom he loved.
JJ Ricks, a man who spread the love of family and the love of God-Praise be to God!