Deceased Members–2006

In Memory of James C. Hickman

James C. Hickman, FSA, MAAA, ACAS, a professor emeritus of business and statistics and former dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business, passed away on September 10. He was 79.

Hickman joined the faculty in 1972 and retired in 1993. As business school dean, he helped engineer some far-reaching changes that are still being felt today. People across campus knew Hickman as a warm and engaging individual with a strong commitment to business education.

"He was a broad person, a true renaissance man," said Edward "Jed" Frees, an associate dean and faculty member at the School of Business and one of Hickman's former students. "You'd get five minutes with him and you'd feel like telling him your life story."

Hickman was a noted researcher in the field of actuarial science and had a track record as a strong teacher. He was the winner of the 1981 and 1984 Halmstad Prize of the Actuarial Education and Research Fund for best contributions to actuarial science literature and won the business school's 1985 Erwin A. Gaumnitz Distinguished Faculty Award for outstanding teaching, research and public service.

"Jim was a giant in the field, and was internationally respected for his work," Frees added. "He was also superb in the classroom, with a booming voice and commanding presence."

His presence was strongly felt at the Society of Actuaries as well. He received the President Award in 2003 and the John E. O'Connor, Jr. Distinguished Service Award in 2000. In addition, he served on the SOA's Board of Governors and on numerous committees including chair of the Society's Committee for Research for Social Concerns. Hickman began his long service to the Actuarial Foundation as Trustee in 1994, serving on the Research Committee and Consumer Education Committee. He continued his service on the Consumer Education Committee through 2005 and remained a strong advocate for projects of the Foundation. Hickman was a frequent speaker, instructor and panelist at professional meetings. He also worked tirelessly on the SOA's 50th Anniversary monographs, timeline and history book.

His efforts for the profession extended far beyond the SOA. Hickman served on the Consultants Panel on Social Security to the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees and the Actuarial Standards Board. Throughout his active service to his profession, he found the time to serve on the boards of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin, United Wisconsin Services, and on the board of pensions for the Presbyterian Church.

A native of Indianola, Iowa, Hickman received his bachelor's degree at Simpson College in his hometown, and went on to the University of Iowa where he earned a master's degree in mathematics with an emphasis in actuarial science and a doctorate in mathematical statistics. He taught at the University of Iowa, beginning as a part-time instructor in 1951 and eventually rose to full professor. He left Iowa City in 1972 to teach at UW-Madison.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and children Charles, Donald and Barbara. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 23, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S. Segoe Road, Madison.

It is a sad day for all of us, but it is also a time to celebrate the life and work of this extraordinary man.

Cards may be sent to Margaret Hickman, Apartment 3, 2822 Marshall Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705.