James Hendricks Obituary

James Earnest Hendricks

James Earnest "Jim" Hendricks, 78, of Findlay, passed away peacefully with his favorite girl (Sissy) on his lap Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, after an extended illness.

Jim graduated from Galesburg High School in 1962 and referred to himself as a "just little ole farm boy from Illinois," but he was far from that.

Jim proudly served his country. He enlisted in U.S. Navy in 1966 and then was attached to U.S. Marine Corps for a tour of duty in Vietnam as a FMF combat corpsman with Dark Horse (1/3/5). He reflected on his time via Charlie Sheen, "The war is over for me now, but it will always be there, the rest of my days…those who did make it have an obligation to build again. To teach to others what we know, and to try with what's left of our lives to find a goodness and a meaning to this life." And, he did.

Jim graduated with his Bachelor's degree (1972), Master's degree (1973), and Ph.D. (1979) from Southern Illinois University. He began his professional career at Menard Correctional Center in 1973 and ended it at Ball State University where he retired after 32 years as professor and Chair Emeritus in 2013. He took time from BSU to serve as Chief Deputy of Delaware County Police Department. Jim was also director and founder of Victim Advocate Program in Muncie, Indiana. Jim was a member of VFW Post 2257 in Galesburg, Illinois, and enjoyed riding his Harley and traveling around the world.

Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Cindy (Gillespie); two daughters, Lisa (Joe) Scott of Villa Rica, Georgia, and Kacey (Brett) Riley of Shelbyville, Illinois; grandchildren, Karley Scott, Katrina McElhaney, Trinity Riley, Aiden Riley, and Cameron Riley; nieces and nephews, Nancy (Ted) Van Wassenhove, Dave Mealman, Mark Mealman, J.R. (Nora) Peal, Laurie Glynn, Andy (Jami) Koziel, Cody (Erin) Koziel, Cassie Cassady, and LeeAnn (Doug) Irvin; other family members, Ralph (Elizabeth) Gillespie, Sherrie Holcombe, Terrie (Dave) Koziel, Ralph (Lynn) Gillespie, and Charlie Watts; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Mable Hendricks; sisters, Kathleen Mealman and Pat Watts; and brother-in-law, Don Mealman.

A special thank you to our Birchaven Village family and ICU family at Blanchard Valley Hospital where Jim spent the last eight months. Jim was loved by so many and the family will be forever grateful for the love and care he received at both facilities.

Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Barndt Funeral Home, Wayne, where military honors will be performed at 4 p.m. by Wood County Military Detail.

Per Jim's request, there will be no funeral.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to Birchaven Village or Blanchard Valley Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to Jim's family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org.