James "Jim" P. Hendren's Obituary
James “Jim” P. Hendren, 73, of Decatur, IL, succumbed to his long, courageous fight with cancer on Thursday, October 8, 2015 in his home with his wife by his side.
Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jim’s life will be 1:30 pm Thursday, October 15, 2015 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. John Burnette, celebrant. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Jim was born on September 7, 1942, in Chicago, IL, the son of James and Rita Hendren. Jim was a graduate of St. Mel’s High School in Chicago, IL. He then did his undergraduate degree at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL and received his Masters at Northern IL University. While working on his Masters, he taught school for a few years at the Queen Bee School District in suburban Chicago where he met and married Bonnie “Burke” Hendren in 1968. They had 3 children together.
After his Masters Degree, he started working as a Business Manager and Treasure at the Mt. Prospect, IL School District. In late 1977, the Late Mayor Gary Anderson hired him to be Director of Business Affairs and Treasure of School District 61, in Decatur, IL until his retirement in June of 2000.
In 2008, Jim married the love of his life, Karla. With Karla, they extensively traveled the world and lived life to the fullest.
In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling the world, being with his friends, and spending time with friends at the Knights of Columbus.
In his life Jim was an Altar Boy, was in the Drama Club, and played basketball. He was a member and past Officer of the Knights of Columbus Council #577, member of the Very Rev. Jeremiah J. Murphy Assembly #211, past President of the Wheeling Township Kiwanis, member of Noon Kiwanis of Decatur, IL, served on the board of Crime Stoppers in Decatur, IL, served as treasurer of the Jefferson Jackson Club in Decatur, IL, past member of the Decatur Club, Decatur, IL, served on the Board of Directors of the Travelers Insurance Group in Chicago, IL, past president of Association of School Business Officials, past member of NWRAP’s in Decatur, IL and he also used his time and talents to give financial advice to many other organizations and Catholic Schools in the Decatur, IL area.
Surviving are his wife, Karla of Decatur, sister Carol (Jim) White of Elmhurst, IL, children Jim (Angie) Hendren of Decatur, Nick Hendren of Decatur, Sally Hendren of Seattle, WA, grandchildren Emmett, Helena, Michael Gibbens and Tyler Gibbens. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving is his Irish Brother in Arms until the end. Terry Doyle.
The family sincerely wishes to thank Marlena, Pat, Rita and Christine for their devoted care in his final days, Hospice Nurses Becky and Tara, Dr. Valasco and Dr. Sobel.
Jim was always a fighter until the end and loved life to its fullest. He loved to tell a story and have a great time. Following the funeral services, the family wishes to invite all to celebrate Jim’s life to the Knights of Columbus in Decatur for a proper Irish send off.
The family of James “Jim” P. Hendren is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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