Hendricks, James R., 1964, Lt. USN (ret)

James "Jim" Richard Hendricks ,1964 

December 20, 1942 - December 4, 2020

James "Jim" Richard Hendricks, of Stewartstown, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2020, at the age of 77 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Similar to how he faced all of his life experiences, Jim demonstrated a vast amount of strength, grace, and dignity throughout his illness while also making sure he spent as much time as possible with his many loved ones.  Jim was born Dec. 20, 1942, in Sunbury, and raised in Selinsgrove. After graduating from Selinsgrove High School in 1960, Jim attended Pennsylvania State University in the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) before graduating with a degree in chemical engineering in 1964. Leading up to his graduation, Jim was one of 10 ROTC students in his class to be selected for placement in the United States Navy's prestigious nuclear power program.  While serving his country as a commissioned officer in the Navy from 1964 to 1969, Jim served in a number of key positions. Ultimately, his honorable and outstanding service was rewarded with a well-deserved promotion to the rank of Lieutenant.

After departing from the Navy in 1969, Jim transitioned out of military service embarking on a career as a project manager for both the civilian sector and the Department of Defense. During this time, Jim's professional endeavors not only led to the successful completion of several vital initiatives leading to the safe disposal of chemical waste, but also bolstered our nation's overall defense capabilities.

Aside from being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and true patriot, Jim was also an avid supporter of his alma mater's Penn State Nittany Lions and a zealous game player. Even at the most difficult stages of his illness, Jim would always watch a Penn State game or enjoy a game of 'strategic' chance with loved ones. Although he loved all types of games, anyone who ever met Jim knew that he possessed a particularly intense passion for playing cards. When he wasn't spending countless hours playing with family or friends at his home, he could be found facing more challenging opponents at the Stewartstown Area Senior Center.  Always refusing to play any game half-heartedly, Jim's passion for stratagem and chance never went understated; often to the great irritation of his off-spring who he never went easy on, regardless of their ages or skill-sets! Still, despite his "tough-love" approach to advancing his children's gaming abilities, Jim instilled a fondness for games in each member of his family; a fondness that will not only be passed down to many future generations to come, but will forever seal the loving memory of him in their hearts.

James "Jim" Richard Hendricks was preceded in death by his parents, Mahlon and Marguerite Hendricks; his siblings, Patricia Schrey, F. Dolores "Dee Dee" Townsend and her husband Wallace T. Townsend.

He is survived by his wife Judith; his brother-in-law, Donald F. Schrey; his daughter, Sara Jane Reese and her adult children Ethan Reese and Arielle Ytterberg; his son, James J. Hendricks and children Laurel, Avery and Cameron; his son, James R. Hendricks and his young children Mahlon and Mahailei; his son, Jon Kiwior and his adult son Mitch; his daughter, Sheila Leskovec and her adult children Rachael, David, and Becca; and his only great-grandchild, Carly Ytterberg who he called his "Dancing Queen."

In addition to those mentioned, Jim is survived by a beloved network of extended family and friends too numerous to list. On behalf of Jim, our entire family wholeheartedly extends the deepest of appreciation to his caregivers at WellSpan York Hospital, Apple Hill, and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, all of whom provided him with exceptional care, kindness, and tireless dedication.  It has often been said in our family that wherever two or more are gathered, so shall a deck of cards be. We can all agree that the host of heaven and everyone who has proceeded us will now have the eternal joy of hearing Jim Hendricks' iterate our very favorite quote: "Deal 'em!"

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to The Wounded Warriors Project or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Selinsgrove with Chaplain Felicia O'Brien officiating. Due to the COVID crisis, those attending are asked to wear masks and social distance.

Arrangements are by the V.L. Seebold Funeral Home, 601 N. High St., Selinsgrove.