James E. Hendrickson, age 72 (pictured at right from the 1960 Spy), of Fairborn, OH passed away Friday, May 29, 2015.  He was born September 27, 1942 in Kenosha, WI, the son of the late Gerald and Joy Wilma (Slater) Hendrickson.  James graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1960, where he was active in the marching band; and followed with service to his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Sullivan.

Jim was employed with Triangle Appliances after his return to Kenosha; relocated to Detroit with American Motors; and then to Louisville with Jim Hannan Oldsmobile. He moved to Dayton with Tom Harrigan Oldsmobile and Autorama for several years. Jim then owned and operated a car lot in Fairborn and then subsequently was employed at Key Chrysler in Xenia for many years.

He was a member of the German Sauerkraut Band; Fairborn Civic Band; Shrine Band; Moose Lodge 1068, Fairborn; Masonic Lodge 753, Beavercreek; Shriners International; Tin Can Sailors; and Sullivan's Association.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dianne; daughter, Jennifer Joy Phelps; son, Jeffrey James Hendrickson; 6 grandchildren of whom he was very proud:  Christopher  C. Phelps (girlfriend, Emily Schindler), Kyle James (Emily) Phelps, Kody V. Phelps, Taylor N. Hendrickson, Ryan J. Hendrickson and Madison J. Hendrickson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Soin and Kettering Medical Centers for the care they provided.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM in the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home (422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn) where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 11:30AM, Pastors Craig Fourman and Sue Nelson officiating.  Burial to follow in the Enon Cemetery with military honors.  If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Greenon High School marching band, football or soccer program.  Condolences may be made to the family at www.BeltonStroup.com.

Published in Xenia Daily Gazette from June 5-6, 2015