Emery James Hendrickson passed peacefully from this life into the next on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
“Jimmy” was born in Chicago, Illinois to Emery and Vivian (Rogers) Hendrickson on November 4, 1945. He gained a love of travel from them and his grandparents, living in Michigan and Illinois . He attended Hinsdale High School and joined the Air Force, primarily serving in Joplin, Missouri on a radar site. Afterwards, his career path as a Master Electrician in the U.A.W. took him also to Texas, Iowa, Georgia, and finally, Tennessee.
In 1989, “Jim” married the love of his life, Caroline (nèe) Simms. They hosted and traveled to many happy events, including SCCA, RV Club, and family trips to Norway, Williamsburg, and their favorite place, Florida.
He was a master woodworker and engraver, photographer, horticulturalist, and chef. He was known for meticulous detail in all of these pursuits and many more. He was a restorer and a wordsmith, with a unique fashion sense.
“Pop” was known for taking in strays. He was both charitable and caring in this regard. He was famous for his love of pets, racing, grilling, classic rock music, house maintenance, and reading.
Left to mourn his passing are his soulmate, Caroline Jeanne, his brothers-in-law Tom and Louis, his sisters-in-law Carol and Sandy, his stepdaughters, Jennifer (Svein Børge) Hjorthaug and Deborah (Richard) Bills, his grandchildren Karla and Nikolas, and his great-grandchildren Kaci, Aaron, Malcolm, Tony, Jed, Ellie, and Andy.
“Jimbo” maneuvered his life challenges with style and kept to his own pace. He ran the course memorably, has reached the finish line, and is saving seats at the after party. “Number 77” will be easy to spot. Until then, “Keep it between the ditches, shiny side up, and no tickets”.
A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Mr. Hendrickson will be held at a later date with inurnment at Brook Hill Memorial Park & Mausoleum.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.