J. Pat Hickman was born in Canyon, Texas to J.B "Bud" and Mildred Hickman on March 17, 1952. He was the youngest of four siblings; his brothers don and Mike as well as his sister Sara Jo were all graduates of Canyon High School.
During his school years Hickman was active in many organizations; most noteworthy being his involvement in Student Council, football, drama and musical. Hickman is also an Eagle Scout. Following graduation from CHS in 1970 he attended Texas Tech University.
Mr. Hickman married his "bride" Nancy in 1977. They have four children; J. Brad (CHS class of 2000), J. Grant (CHS 2003), Tara (CHS 2005) and Crista (CHS 2008).
In 1975, Pat "fell into" the banking business, and for fifteen years worked for various financial institutions in canyon and Amarillo. In 1990, Hickman led a group of investors in purchasing the First State Bank of Happy, Texas (Today known as the Happy State Bank) and serves the bank as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. At the time of the purchase, the bank had six employees and approximately $10 Million in total assets.
At this writing, the Happy State Bank has twelve offices located in eight communities in the Texas Panhandle and once office in Phoenix, Arizona. The bank employs over 160 people and guardians over $430 Million in assets.
Hickman is recognized as a leader by his banking peers as evidenced by his just completed term as Chairman of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas. He has testified in front of the United States House of Representatives Financial Services Committee on behalf of community banks. He was chosen by the Texas Banking Commissioner to serve on the Commissioner"s Counsel from 1997-2003. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Independent Community Bankers of America.
Pat has been involved with many civic organizations in Canyon and Amarillo including Lion"s Club, Randall County Ag Extension, Canyon Main Street, Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, Texas Tech Ex-Students Association, United Way, and Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in starting the Canyon Crisis Pregnancy Center, the Canyon After School Program and the CISD Education Foundation. He was elected to three terms on the CISD Board of Trustees (1990-1999), the last two years as Board President. The Hickman"s are active members of First Baptist Church in Canyon.
J. Pat is known for his passion. He commits himself 100% to his undertakings and endeavors. He is most passionate, even fanatical, regarding his Fighting Canyon Eagles, Texas Tech Red Raiders, independent/community banking, Happy State Bank, his babies - Brad, Grant, Tara and Crista, his bride - Nancy and his Savior - Jesus Christ.
