Joe Churchville Ricks, Jr. 67 years old, passed away on January 25, 2025 in Calderitas, Quintana Roo, Mexico.Joe was born to the late Joseph Churchville Ricks and Alma (Todd) Ricks on July 23, 1957. He went to high school at Keystone Heights Jr, Sr. High and graduated in 1975. Immediately following graduation, he joined the Army and later earned a degree in Basic Law Enforcement Training from Sampson Community College.Joe made the Army his career, while serving in many roles, including, Protective Security Detail member at Afghanistan, SERE OPFOR member at ICE Inc., Protective Security Advisor at US Department of Homeland Security, Regional Security Supervisor at Bosnia, Security supervisor at Albania, Ceasefire Verifier at Kosovo, Assistant Security Manager at Colombia, Detective Sergeant at Law Enforcement, Master Sergeant (E-8) at US Army Special Forces RetiredHis primary specialties were Special Operations Senior Sergeant, Special Operations Intelligence Sergeant and Special Operations Engineer. He received numerous Medals, Service Ribbons and Badges. He was part of numerous classified operations as well.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, J. C. Ricks, III sisters, Alma Jean Ricks, and Linda Gordon along with his brother Larry Ricks.Survivors are, his son, Cody Ricks of Honolulu, Hawaii and daughter, Lauren Bish of Denver, Colorado. Sisters, Doris Overstreet of Keystone Heights and Sylvia Wheeler of Starke, and brother Robert Baldree of Merritt Island. Also left are numerous nieces and nephews that looked up to him as he served our country.Graveside Services will be held at Kingsley Lake Cemetery on February 8, 2025 at 3:00 pm with full military honors.Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME OF STARKE 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Kingsley Lake Cemetery 6289 Mary Dot Ln Starke FL 32091 US Graveside Saturday, February 8, 2025 3:00 PM - Kingsley Lake Cemetery 6289 Mary Dot Ln Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL - 32091 US (904) 964-6200